Risk factors for SCAD and how to take preventive measures
SCAD is a rare but serious heart disease that is often missed in standard tests, especially in women without classic risk factors. With a blood test at Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can monitor your risk factors for SCAD yourself and take preventive measures.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but serious cause of heart attack. It occurs when a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery, obstructing blood flow to the heart. SCAD mostly affects younger women WITHOUT typical risk factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, so it is often missed in standard heart examinations.
Why test for risk factors yourself?
Because SCAD is difficult to diagnose and missed in many cases, it is important to be proactive yourself. With blood tests, you can monitor and detect possible underlying risk factors early. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can decide which biomarkers you want to be tested to chart your cardiovascular health. This is especially valuable for women with a family history of vascular disease, hormonal fluctuations or connective tissue disorders.
What blood tests can you do to monitor your SCAD risk?
- Inflammation and heart health tests
- hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) - Provides insight into inflammation in blood vessels, an important factor in vascular problems.
- Lipid profile (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides) - Helps assess your cardiovascular health.
- Lp(a) (Lipoprotein (a)) - An elevated value may indicate an increased risk of vascular disease and SCAD.
- Blood clotting and vascular health
- Homocysteine - Elevated levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of SCAD.
- D-dimer* - Provides insight into blood clotting and may be elevated in vascular problems.
- Fibrinogen - Plays a role in blood clotting and vascular health.
* These tests cannot be taken at a local clinic; you have to go to the lab for them.
- Hormonal and metabolic testing
- HbA1c and fasting glucose and insulin - To rule out diabetes and insulin resistance, both risk factors for vascular problems.
- Cortisol - Chronic stress increases the risk of vascular disease and SCAD.
- Thyroid function (TSH, FT4, FT3) - Problems with the thyroid gland can affect blood pressure and vascular health.
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid - Helps regulate homocysteine and supports vascular health.
What can you do to lower your risk of SCAD?
Although SCAD is not always preventable, changes in your lifestyle can help reduce risk factors:
- Reduce chronic stress: High levels of cortisol can harm blood vessels. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can help.
- Healthy diet: Avoid ultra processed foods and eat more vegetables, healthy fats and proteins for optimal vascular health.
- Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity such as walking and yoga helps improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
- Supplements and nutrients: Vitamin B12, folic acid and omega-3 can help maintain healthy blood vessels.
Put together your own SCAD risk test at Blood Value Test
SCAD is often overlooked in regular heart tests, but at Blood Values Test you can test for relevant risk factors yourself. You can put together your own blood test to monitor the health of your blood vessels and heart. This allows you to take timely preventive measures and be more aware of your health.
SCAD is a rare but serious condition that mostly affects women. Because it is often missed in standard tests, self-testing for risk factors is a smart choice. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can easily put together a personalized blood test and gain insight into your risk factors.
Want more control over your heart health? Put together your own blood test on Bloedwaardentest.nl and find out what you can work on!
