Two Hearts, One Twin Bond
Identical twins Mairéad Lyons and Thérèse Walsh have always shared a close bond. That bond reached a new, life‑altering level when both women suffered spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in their 30s, within eight months of each other. Thérèse, aged 39 and the younger twin by five minutes, calls it laughter and fear wrapped into one: “It’s the most twin thing we’ve ever done.”
What is SCAD and Why It Matters
SCAD is an emergency heart condition that often targets women. It involves a tear in the wall of a coronary artery, which can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. Symptoms mimic a typical heart attack and include chest pain, pain radiating to the arms or neck, nausea, breathlessness, and dizziness. Dr Angie Brown, a consultant cardiologist and the Irish Heart Foundation medical director, notes that many SCAD cases are under‑diagnosed, and awareness is crucial for timely treatment.
Different Paths, Shared Onset
Mairéad’s SCAD surfaced during a routine period of recovery after maternity leave and a high‑intensity gym routine. A chest pain episode at 5am led to ambulance checks, and blood tests confirmed a heart attack. A subsequent angiogram, performed during a hospital procedure, revealed a second SCAD in real time, a moment she describes as terrifying yet revealing of how quickly conditions can evolve. Her father’s memory would soon accompany her in the ward, highlighting the emotional weight of her experience.
Thérèse’s episode occurred amid fertility treatments in May 2024. After a wave of nausea, a right arm sensation, and an ECG that showed abnormalities, she was quickly admitted to Tallaght University Hospital. Doctors confirmed a SCAD in a different artery than her sister’s. Unlike Mairéad, Thérèse faced an initial setback with a false positive pregnancy test, and the procedure required no sedation, heightening the stress of the moment. A later angiogram and a pregnancy outcome would bring further twists to her story.
Reactions, Recovery, and Lessons Learned
The twins’ experiences illustrate how SCAD can affect women differently, even within the same family. Mairéad notes the lasting impact on her life and routine, including the need to avoid intense exercise and to adjust medical checkups (even dental visits now require cardiology input). She credits her employer, Alltech, for flexible support that allowed her to return to work on her own terms after 10–11 weeks. The healing process also included turning to the Irish Heart Foundation for education and resources.
Thérèse, now a new mother, faced the paradox of medical anxiety and a smoother recovery path. Her decision to pursue a higher-risk pregnancy with careful medical supervision demonstrates how rehabilitation and cautious planning can improve outcomes for women with SCAD. The couple welcomed baby Jack after a long journey to parenthood, underscoring the message that life continues, sometimes with extra safeguards in place.
The Medical Picture: Care, Rehab, and Future Risk
Post‑SCAD, many patients require a blend of ongoing medical management, lifestyle adjustments, and rehabilitation. Dr Brown recommends cardiac rehabilitation, psychosocial counseling, aspirin or beta blockers, and careful consideration of hormonal therapies due to potential impacts on arterial walls and clotting. For women of child‑bearing age, pregnancy can increase SCAD risk, so family planning and risk assessment are essential components of care.
What This Means for Women and Clinicians
Because SCAD remains under‑diagnosed, these twin stories highlight the importance of listening to body signals and seeking rapid evaluation for chest pain in younger women. The sisters’ experiences also emphasize the value of advocacy, education, and peer support networks, such as the Irish Heart Foundation helpline. Their message is practical: know the symptoms, engage with healthcare teams, and stay informed about healing options and support resources.
Raising Awareness: Practical Steps to Lower Cardiac Risk
Beyond SCAD, mainstream heart‑health measures matter: monitor blood pressure, quit smoking, manage glucose and cholesterol, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, and maintain a balanced diet. For SCAD, tailored advice from cardiologists and rehabilitation programs can make a meaningful difference in recovery and quality of life.
For those seeking more information, the Irish Heart Foundation offers resources and support lines to help navigate heart health and SCAD-specific care.
