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Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) mainly affects women under 50 years. SCAD patients have reported that their partners struggle to deal with the diagnosis and how best to support their recovery.Aim To explore how partners were impacted by their loved one’s SCAD event and what they needed to help support recovery.Methods A qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams. Partners of SCAD patients were recruited between May-August 2024 via BeatSCAD social media advertising. Interview topics included their experiences of partner’s SCAD events, impact and support requirements. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.Results Fourteen participants were recruited The majority were male (n=12, 85.7%) and the median age was 52 (interquartile range 16) years. Three overarching themes were developed: 1) Emotional trauma. The unexpected nature of SCAD, often in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors and at a young age, resulted in shock, fear of recurrence, and anxiety about ongoing chest pain and the impact of SCAD on their loved one. This was exasperated by the unknown causes of SCAD and limited understanding of medication regimes. 2) Extreme coping responses. Participants did not want to leave their partners alone and struggled to maintain normal work/routines. This resulted in measures like tracking the SCAD survivor’s location via mobile phone, giving neighbours access to their home and purchasing a defibrillator in case of further events. Partners took on more strenuous household tasks and childcare responsibilities. 3) Support and information needs. Participants required clear explanations from healthcare professionals about their partner’s event and access to informative resources including information about what SCAD is, what treatments are appropriate and what to expect during recovery.Conclusion Partners of SCAD patients are traumatised by the uncertainties associated with SCAD and this could be addressed by improving information available to them.