Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon but life-threatening heart condition that strikes suddenly, often without warning, and predominantly affects women.
This emergency condition involves tears in coronary arteries, often in individuals who are otherwise healthy, and demands prompt medical intervention to minimize the risk of irreversible damage.
Cardiologists employ a range of treatments to aid recovery and prevent future complications, but the emotional toll and sense of isolation faced by SCAD patients add a unique layer to their journey.
As adjuncts to cardiac rehabilitation, peer support programs, like the virtual Women@Heart Program at the Ottawa Heart Institute play a crucial role in supporting women on their path to recovery.
For over a decade, the program has supported Canadian women with cardiovascular disease. Programming has evolved over time to address various heart conditions. In 2019, it was adapted specifically to support women with SCAD.
And now, the Ottawa Heart Institute and Stanford University have joined forces to improve care for women with SCAD on both sides of the border.
SCAD@Heart: A historic cross-border collaboration
The historic collaboration, supported by the Alpha Phi Foundation’s Heart to Heart grant, marks the first time in the grant’s 32-year history that it has facilitated a cross-border project.
Central to the partnership is “SCAD@Heart,” an online peer support program modelled after the success of the Women@Heart Program in Ottawa, Ontario.
“This partnership will allow our teams to reach even more women by reducing barriers to care and meeting the recovery needs identified by women,” said Women@Heart Program Manager Nadine Elias, who is a co-investigator on the project.
Researchers from both institutions are customizing the program for women with SCAD across Canada and the United States. If successful, the virtual model could pave the way for further international expansion.
“The current grant allows us to develop a curriculum that meets both the emotional and informational needs of SCAD patients,” Elias explained. “We hope to empower these women by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their heart health journeys with confidence.”
SCAD’s impact on women’s health and recovery needs
SCAD is a type of heart attack that affects women more often than men, and it usually happens at a younger age compared to other types of heart attack.
It is the most common type of heart attack to occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period.
The exact cause of SCAD remains unclear, though factors such as stress, childbirth, and being female may contribute.
“Patients often feel isolated or anxious due to the unique and complex nature of the condition,” said Heather Tulloch, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Ottawa Heart Institute involved on the project.
The emotional impact can affect many aspects of a patient’s life, Tulloch said.
“We are social beings,” she said. “We recover better with a supportive circle around us—particularly with those who share similar experiences.”
The power of peer support
The success of the Women@Heart Program lies in its network of volunteer peer leaders who have firsthand experience with heart disease. Peer leaders engage, guide, and provide both emotional and practical support to participants.
“Peer leaders play a crucial role in fostering connection and understanding,” said Elias. “Peer support is about meeting participants where they are, making them feel understood, guiding them through their heart journeys, and ensuring everyone feels safe to share and support each other.”
For SCAD@Heart, peer leaders recruited through Stanford’s Women’s Heart Health Clinic will receive approximately 30 hours of specialized training, and mentorship from senior Women@Heart peer leaders. The program will follow a similar structure, aiming to deliver and evaluate six groups in the first year.
Each session builds on the previous one, helping participants reduce the risk of isolation, promote coping strategies, better understand their condition, and feel empowered to take charge of their heart health. Women are also connected with additional community resources to help them maintain self-care behaviours after the program ends.
There are health benefits to providing peer support, too. Research shows peer leaders (or those who provide peer support themselves) report benefits like improved physical health, greater life satisfaction, reduced distress, and a more optimistic outlook on their own health.
Feedback and plans
Early responses from SCAD@Heart participants are positive.
Many report the program as a lifeline, helping them connect with others who face similar challenges and empowering them to discuss their condition with their doctor.
One participant shared, “Signing up for the support group was the final piece of my healing puzzle I needed… I wish every patient could receive the support I received post medical emergency.” Another noted, “Learning about SCAD was eye-opening—I wish I had known about it earlier.”
Researchers are collecting data on participants’ psychosocial status, coping skills, social support, and communication with providers at both the start and end of the program. This feedback will refine the curriculum and provide personalized information to help participants set goals for themselves.
Looking ahead: Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit
Later this month, the Ottawa Heart Institute will host the 5th Canadian Women’s Heart Health Summit in partnership with Heart & Stroke.
As the world’s largest conference dedicated to women’s heart, brain, and vascular health, the summit will bring together experts, health professionals, and women living with heart disease for a two-day event in Ottawa.
The theme of this year’s event is Reflecting on the Past, Empowering the Present, and Shaping the Future. The summit will showcase cutting-edge research, explore emerging trends, and advocate for better care tailored to women.
