Health Crisis of Local Fitness Expert

One December morning, Sally Meints Winchell felt an unusual tightness in her chest while setting up for a pickleball tournament at Bright Side Opportunities Center. The 68-year-old fitness instructor, who had already completed a vigorous weightlifting session at 4:30 a.m., initially dismissed the feeling, attributing it to stress or anxiety.

“I was just my usual, energetic self,” Winchell recalled. However, as the tightness persisted, she decided to seek help and was taken to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s emergency room.

Winchell, known for teaching multiple strength classes each week and providing nutritional guidance, experienced a rare heart attack condition known as sudden coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which mainly affects women who may not show typical risk factors. According to Dr. Ross Biggs, who treated her, SCAD can create tears in artery walls, restricting oxygen to the heart.

Local cardiologists have noted an increasing awareness of SCAD, resulting in more annual diagnoses, though it still represents a small percentage of all heart attacks. In fact, SCAD accounts for 1% to 4% of heart attacks nationwide, yet it is a leading cause in women under 50.

“It’s puzzling; we’re still trying to figure out the causes,” Biggs said, commenting on Winchell’s case. “There’s no clear answer.”

Understanding SCAD

The rarity of SCAD can complicate efforts to research its origins. Dr. Ron Jacob from WellSpan Health outlined the challenges faced due to the infrequency of such cases. He and other doctors speculate that hormonal changes—especially during pregnancy or menopause—might play a role. Some diagnosed patients also have fibromuscular dysplasia, a condition that leads to abnormal artery growth. Additionally, intense physical exertion, emotional stress, or both may contribute to the risk.

On the day of her incident, Winchell had just lifted heavy weights, which raises questions about whether such exertion triggered her health scare.

More Stories of SCAD

Christine Sable, another local woman, shares a similar story. After struggling with emotional stress during the pandemic, she experienced debilitating body aches one Christmas Eve, later discovering she had also suffered a heart attack caused by an artery dissection. Sable, now more cautious, has modified her exercise routines to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.

“I’ve learned what my body can handle,” Sable noted, emphasizing her shift in mindset since her health scare.

Critical Diagnosis and Future Steps

When Winchell underwent heart catheterization, doctors confirmed a tear in her coronary artery but found no plaque buildup, which is typically seen in atherosclerosis cases. This distinction is significant as treatment protocols differ for each condition. For SCAD patients, stents may worsen the problem instead of aiding it.

In her recovery, Winchell remains hopeful. Though limited to lifting just 10 pounds, she continues to visit her gym regularly, sharing a sense of comfort and routine. “It’s my mental health,” she describes, appreciating the familiar environment where she trains and engages with others.

Heart Attack Facts

February is American Heart Month, a fitting time to reflect on the impact of heart attacks, which affect around 605,000 individuals in the U.S. annually. Awareness of the various types—including SCAD—underscores the necessity of understanding personal health and risk factors.

Knowing the warning signs and the different causes, whether it’s a tear in the artery or plaque buildup, is crucial for appropriate treatment. Moreover, maintaining awareness of risk factors—such as high blood pressure and cholesterol—can be vital in preventing heart-related incidents.