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Published on: April 19, 2011
Extremely Heavy Lifting Associated With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Ellery Altshuler1, Eldon Matthia1, Dhaval Naik2
1Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) can affect men, not just young women. Physicians should consider SCAD in male patients with acute coronary syndrome, especially after heavy exertion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a tear in a coronary artery wall, often affecting young women.
- It is a non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Observation:
- A healthy 58-year-old man presented with chest pain after lifting heavy machinery (200-250 pounds).
- He was diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- Coronary angiography revealed non-atherosclerotic SCAD in the patient.
- No underlying cause for the SCAD was identified.
Implications:
- This case highlights that SCAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ACS in men, particularly those with a history of heavy lifting.
- Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for SCAD in diverse patient populations, irrespective of traditional risk factors.
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