People should be aware of a rare and unpredictable condition called SCAD. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection occurs when the inner layers of a coronary artery split away from the outer wall. When this happens, blood can leak into the space between the layers, leading to clot formation. If these clots grow large enough, they can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.Doctors are still struggling to fully understand this condition. The cause remains unknown, and it often strikes suddenly in people who do not have the usual risk factors linked to heart disease. SCAD is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 45 and 53, although it can affect people of any age or gender.What Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection?SCAD is an acronym that can refer to different things, but it is most widely used to describe Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. This is a serious heart condition in which a tear forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart, potentially triggering a heart attack. SCAD is also the name of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a well-known creative university in the United States, and an Indian NGO working in the field of social change and development.According to the British Heart Foundation, SCAD is a condition that “can’t currently be predicted or prevented.” The charity stresses the importance of seeking medical help if symptoms appear, so the condition can be identified as early as possible. Many of the warning signs are similar to those of angina or a heart attack, which can make it difficult to recognise.Symptoms Of Spontaneous Coronary Artery DissectionThe symptoms of SCAD often resemble those associated with angina or a heart attack. These may include:Chest painPain or tightness in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomachFeeling dizzy or lightheadedShortness of breath or unusual tirednessNauseaCold sweats or clammy skinThe British Heart Foundation advises anyone experiencing chest pain or these symptoms to call 999 straight away. One of the dangers of SCAD is that people may dismiss the symptoms, believing they are not at risk of a heart attack. Experts say the condition cannot be predicted or prevented.How Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Related To Neck Pain?Neck pain can sometimes be linked to arterial dissections, which involve a tear in blood vessels supplying vital organs. In such cases, the pain is often sudden, severe, and felt on one side of the neck. It may appear on its own or develop before more serious symptoms, such as those associated with a stroke or heart-related event.The pain occurs due to damage to the artery wall and should always be treated as a medical emergency. While neck pain is commonly associated with muscle strain, experts warn that, in rare cases, it can signal a much more serious underlying problem.According to the American Heart Association, neck pain related to arterial dissection may present in the following ways:Location: Pain is usually felt on the same side of the head or neck as the affected artery.Type: The pain may be sudden, intense, throbbing, or feel like pressure, and is often different from a typical headache.Warning sign: Neck pain can be an early symptom of an arterial tear, sometimes appearing before other serious complications.Vertebral artery dissection: Often causes pain at the back of the neck and head.Carotid artery dissection: More commonly linked to pain at the front of the neck and head.SCAD And WomenAround 80 percent of people diagnosed with SCAD are women, and the condition is known to occur during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Because it develops without warning, SCAD is often discovered only after a major medical event, such as a heart attack.Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients are managed with medication to reduce the risk of blood clots, while others may require stents to keep the artery open. In rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery is needed to restore blood flow.The British Heart Foundation notes that receiving a SCAD diagnosis can be deeply unsettling, especially when it follows an emergency. Many patients report feeling isolated, largely because the condition is so rare and not widely understood.