LCCC proud to host first SCAD conference

SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) survivors, friends and family recently gathered for the first ever UK SCAD Conference at Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

Setting a record for the most UK SCAD survivors in one place - the Charles Palmer Suite at Grace Road - more than half of the 87 delegates have suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and many were told they’d never meet another SCAD survivor because the condition is so rare.

Dr David Adlam and Dr Abtehale Al-Hussaini, who are leading the SCAD research project at the Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, gave very informative and detailed presentations covering the condition and early findings from the research.

There was a discussion led by Dr Adlam on a range of topics from diagnosing SCAD and raising awareness among cardiologists and other medical professionals, to treatments and the pros and cons of different heart medication for SCAD patients.

Dr Abtehale Al-Hussaini gave an update on the research project. Nearly 330 patients have so far registered for the research and 50 have been through a range of tests. She outlined what the patient research day entails, from arm and neck ultrasounds, to hypermobility tests and MRI scans.

Sally Bee, SCAD survivor and celebrity chef on ITV's Lorraine show, gave an inspiring talk about her experience and some invaluable advice to those who have had their SCADs recently.

Delegates had the opportunity to discuss how the Beat SCAD charity, launched at the conference, could help provide support both for survivors and family and friends.

Representatives from the British Heart Foundation, which provides funding for the research, Dr Claire Butler from the National Institute for Health Research Rare Diseases Translational Research Collaboration, and the Leicester BRU attended the conference.

Debbie Oliver, Trustee of Beat SCAD, said: “Beat SCAD would like to thank Leicestershire Cricket Club for the fantastic venue and their staff for looking after us so well, and to ADLS Productions for filming the day’s events.

“Leicestershire Cricket Club was the perfect venue for our first ever UK SCAD conference and the launch of our charity Beat SCAD. The staff were efficient and friendly, the room was set out as requested, the IT worked well, and nothing was too much trouble. Lunch was delicious too!”

Rebecca Breslin, Chair of Beat SCAD, added: "Knowing that we could just get on with the conference and charity launch without worrying about venue logistics was invaluable.”