Heart help available

Sir,

I would like to let readers know about the support the British Heart Foundation is continuing

to offer to the 720,000 people across Scotland living with heart and circulatory diseases throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

People with heart and circulatory diseases are at increased risk of complications if they develop COVID-19. After dementia, coronary heart disease is the second most common pre-existing health condition in people who have died with COVID-19 in Scotland.

Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen an unprecedented demand for our Heart Helpline service. In response, we’ve extended our helpline opening hours and added to our specialist nursing team. We’ve also launched an appeal to help us offer this expanded service.

Understanding what lockdown and the different risk levels mean for people with heart and circulatory diseases has been one of the most common enquiries.

The uncertainty of the situation means we may not be able to answer every question, but we are here to reassure people who might feel anxious and provide information and support specific to their condition and concerns.

If you are feeling unwell or concerned about your heart condition, it’s still vital you use NHS services as you always would. Our team of nurses are available if you’re trying to understand what the pandemic means for you or the health of a loved one.

To contact the BHF’s Heart Helpline call 0300 330 3311 – 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays – or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk.

James Jopling, head of British Heart Foundation Scotland, Edinburgh.