Pregnancy-Linked SCAD More Severe
Data presented at the American College of Cardiology 75th Annual Scientific Session linked pregnancy-associated SCAD to more severe presentation and higher in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events.
By
Kerri Miller
March 30, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Pregnancy-Linked SCAD More Severe
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD) Key Mechanisms Higher rates of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), multivessel and multisegment disease, and persistent left ventricular dysfunction. Target Population Patients diagnosed with spontaneous coronary artery dissection during or after pregnancy. Care Setting In-hospital care
Key Highlights
P-SCAD patients experienced more severe clinical presentations than nonpregnancy SCAD patients. 18.6% of P-SCAD patients had STEMI compared to 5.5% of nonpregnancy SCAD patients. Higher rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events in P-SCAD patients. Most patients in both groups managed conservatively. Persistent left ventricular dysfunction at 1 year more common in P-SCAD patients. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Consider SCAD in pregnant patients presenting with chest pain. Management
Conservative management is common; revascularization is less frequently performed. Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiovascular events during hospitalization. Risks
Increased risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and persistent left ventricular dysfunction. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Conservative management is preferred; further studies needed for optimal management.
Clinical Best Practices
Assess for multivessel disease in patients with P-SCAD. Monitor for signs of left ventricular dysfunction post-discharge. Educate patients on the risks of recurrent events. References
