[1] SCAD is a major cause of heart attacks in young, otherwise healthy women who usually lack typical cardiovascular risk factors.

While the risk of death due to SCAD is low, it has a relatively high rate of recurrence leading to further heart attack-like symptoms in the future.

[2] This pattern usually includes chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, extreme tiredness, nausea, and dizziness.

Evidence suggests that estrogen- and progesterone-related vascular changes affect the coronary arteries during this period, contributing to SCAD.

[9] The tracking of blood within the artery wall (both in the presence or absence of an intimal tear) is referred to as a "false lumen".

While the molecular mechanisms that underpin SCAD are still poorly understood, studies have implicated dysfunction of the vasa vasorum, the microvessels that perfuse the muscular layer of the coronary artery, lead to the bleed.

There is an inverse correlation between the amount of vasa vasorum present in regions of the coronary artery and the likelihood of an area being affected by a SCAD.

[13] Given the demographics of SCAD, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion for the condition in otherwise low-risk women presenting with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome.

[19] ICI techniques provide a direct view of the walls of the coronary artery to confirm SCAD, but may actually worsen the dissection as the probes are inserted into the damaged area.

[14] Some studies propose coronary CT angiography to evaluate SCAD in lower-risk people, with research into the approach ongoing.

In most people who are hemodynamically stable without high-risk coronary involvement, conservative medical management with blood pressure control is recommended.

[4][23][24] Angina, or chest pain due to coronary insufficiency may persist for months after SCAD, sometimes even when repeat angiography shows vessel healing.

[18] Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for all patients after myocardial infarction due to SCAD and is associated with a reduction in anginal symptoms increased psychological well-being.

[18] Dual antiplatelet therapy should be started after percutaneous coronary intervention (stents) is used to treat SCAD and continued for at least 1 year afterwards.

[18] Dual antiplatelet therapy during the acute phase and for at least 1 year after medically treated SCAD may be also used, based on expert consensus.

[29][28] Due to a lack of recognition and diagnostic technology though, SCAD literature until the 21st century included only case reports and series.