Yes, women have heart attacks, too
THANK you for highlighting the difference in care that women heart disease sufferers receive (Mail). A triple bypass at the age of 60 without doubt saved my life, but the run-up to this operation was horrific. My symptoms were getting worse and I started having panic attacks every time I had chest pains or a dizzy spell. I felt I was not being taken seriously if I attended A&E, with one consultant telling me to get a grip as I wasn’t as bad as the man in the next cubicle. I was told by a surgeon that I needed a bypass within three weeks, but I had to wait much longer than that for this essential treatment. I was the only woman in intensive care after cardiac surgery. Where were the other female heart disease sufferers? I keep being told about women who dropped dead apparently out of the blue with a heart attack. The Mail’s article supports my suspicion that women’s symptoms of heart disease are not taken seriously or are misdiagnosed. My message to all women is that if you feel there is a problem, don’t be put off and make sure you get the care you deserve. Be proactive — it could just save your life. After being very ill, I’m back working full-time as a midwife and am very thankful to still be here.
MARGARET JONES, Bromley, Kent. I READ with great interest Dr Michael Dixon’s account of his experience as a GP (Good Health). He is quite right about patients wanting to see the same doctor and have a relationship built on trust and their knowledge of your needs. So why have we abandoned a system that worked so well for the shambles we have now?
VALERIE WOOD, Newent, Glos. IF I CAN visit a chiropractor, dentist or osteopath, and have my hair cut, then, with all the necessary precautions, why can’t I see my GP face to face? It’s shameful the way patients are being ignored and fobbed off with Covid excuses.
JAMES HORNE, Enfield, Gtr London.