Several dozen women with a rare heart condition self-organized through a social network and shared stories about their medical conditions, trying desperately to find clinical answers. Those stories by patients compelled Mayo Clinic researchers to build upon the patient-initiated research and launch a study two months ago into the condition, known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)…. The SCAD Ladies Stand Up features a foreword by Sharonne Hayes, MD, the Mayo Clinic cardiologist who is leading the project.

Reuters, 10/14/11

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Tags: Cardiology