University of Leicester researchers to present latest findings at second annual Beat SCAD conference

Researchers from the University of Leicester will be providing updates on the latest findings of their research into Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) on Saturday 12 November 2016.

The findings will be revealed during the second annual conference organised by Beat SCAD, a UK charity that aims to support those who have been diagnosed with SCAD, at the Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

During the conference Dr David Adlam, senior lecturer at the University of Leicester and consultant cardiologist for Leicester’s Hospitals and Dr Abtehale Al-Hussaini, BHF & NIHR fellow at Leicester’s Hospitals, who are leading the UK SCAD research project at the University of Leicester (https://scad.lcbru.le.ac.uk/), will be updating patients, their families and friends on the progress and findings to date.

The UK research project was initiated by SCAD patients, led by Rebecca Breslin, Trustee Chair of Beat SCAD.

The project is viewed as an excellent example of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research.

Dr Adlam from the University of Leicester Department of Cardiovascular Sciences said:

The SCAD study is an unusual study because it was initiated by a group of patients. A core of this group went on to form the Beat SCAD charity and their input has meant that just a few years into our study, we’ve got over 400 people registered to take part in our research into this rare heart condition. The SCAD study in Leicester is the first of its kind in the UK and Europe. The conference is our opportunity to update study participants and SCAD survivors on what our research has revealed so far.

Simon Denegri, NIHR National Director for Patients and the Public in Research and Chair, INVOLVE said:

Beat SCAD is a brilliant example of patients and carers making a difference in research. Not only have they made the condition a priority for researchers and funders across the UK but they are also spearheading efforts to get patients to take part in this important project. With partners like Beat SCAD, research is in good hands.

Funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the researchers set what, at the time, was an ambitious aim to assess 100 patients over the next few years.

With the patient group’s help and the increasing awareness among medical professionals, 110 SCAD patients and 40 healthy volunteers have been seen in just over a year and there are more than 400 registrants waiting to be part of the research.

Rebecca Breslin said:

SCAD is a life-changing condition so it is essential that everyone affected by SCAD has access to specialist care and the support they need to recover and adjust to life after SCAD. Our Beat SCAD conference is an important means of delivering support by presenting information from the experts and sharing our own experiences with each other.

The conference agenda also includes sessions for newly diagnosed SCAD patients, helping them to understand the condition and what to expect during the first couple of years following diagnosis.

There will also be talks about anxiety, exercise, going back to work, managing the psychological aspects of SCAD, and more to help both SCAD patients and their families/friends move forward.

There will be networking opportunities as well, as the conference is a great opportunity for patients and their families/friends to meet others who have the same diagnosis. Currently more than 110 delegates have registered.