Beth's story

Beth’s heart attack was caused by spontaneous coronary artery
dissection (SCAD), a condition that most often affects women.
Caused by a tear in a blood vessel in the heart, SCAD often happens
to people aged between 40-50 with no previous heart disease risk
factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Doctors believe Beth’s SCAD may have been related to her
pregnancy. Recent studies have found that hormone and other
pregnancy-related changes could be responsible for weakening artery
walls in some women. Today, there is still much we need to learn about women- specific risks of heart disease, so we can protect the lives of women like Beth. The support of people like you enables the Heart Foundation to be involved in crucial initiatives like GCRFF, that are creating a better future for women’s heart health.