Young Mother and Nurse Practitioner Survives Rare Heart Condition, Advocates for Awareness

Just six weeks after giving birth to her third child, Layne Strookman, a 35-year-old nurse practitioner from Kansas City, Missouri, experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. What began as a routine school drop-off quickly turned into a battle against a rare and often overlooked heart condition: spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Her story highlights the importance of recognizing SCAD symptoms, even in young, healthy individuals and the advancements in cardiac care at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.

A Sudden Onset of Symptoms

On a February morning in 2025, while taking her children to school, Strookman began to feel unwell. She experienced chest pressure, numbness in her hands, and lightheadedness. Recognizing potential heart attack symptoms, despite being a healthy individual with no prior medical conditions, she sought help at the school nurse’s office. The school nurse promptly called 911 after noting Strookman’s elevated blood pressure.

Diagnosis and Initial Treatment

At Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, tests revealed elevated cardiac enzymes, indicating heart muscle damage. Interventional cardiologist Aaron Grantham, MD, diagnosed Strookman with SCAD, a condition where a tear forms in a coronary artery, disrupting blood flow to the heart. Saint Luke’s monitored Strookman for two days, as SCAD often resolves on its own, with a recurrence rate of 15-20% within the first week.

A Second Heart Attack and Emergency Surgery

Despite initial improvement, Strookman experienced a second heart attack just 20 hours after returning home. She was rushed back to the hospital, where it was discovered she had critical blockages in both left coronary arteries and was experiencing acute heart failure. Interventional cardiologist Adam Salisbury, MD, placed a device to support her heart while awaiting emergency bypass surgery. Cardiothoracic surgeon Jessica Heimes, DO, performed a three-vessel bypass to restore blood flow to Strookman’s heart.

A Critical Condition and Recovery

During surgery, doctors cautioned Strookman’s family that her condition was critical. Her ejection fraction, a measure of heart function, had dropped to 15%, raising concerns about the need for a heart transplant. Heart failure and transplant specialist Anthony Magalski, MD, and non-invasive cardiologist Anna Grodzinsky, MD, were likewise involved in her care. Dr. Grodzinsky, who leads the SCAD program at Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center, noted that Strookman’s case was the most severe SCAD event seen at Saint Luke’s, and the first requiring bypass surgery due to SCAD.

Fortunately, Strookman’s ejection fraction improved in the days following surgery, averting the need for a transplant. After 12 days in the ICU, she was moved to the cardiac floor and reunited with her children.

Returning to Life and Advocating for SCAD Awareness

After two weeks in the hospital, Strookman returned home to begin cardiac rehabilitation. She is now living a full and active life, running in moderation and caring for her three children. Strookman is committed to raising awareness about SCAD and plans to establish a support group in the Kansas City region for those affected by the condition. She hopes her story will inspire others and demonstrate the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

About Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)

SCAD is a rare condition that affects approximately 1-4% of heart attack patients. It typically occurs in individuals with minimal traditional risk factors for heart disease, and its causes are not fully understood. Potential risk factors include genetic predisposition, stress, pregnancy, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute

Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is a leading research and academic medical institution, home to the Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. The Heart Institute offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for various cardiovascular conditions, including advanced heart failure, structural intervention, and preventive cardiology.