Rise in heart attack victims not going for help
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NHS Tayside says there has been a rise in people suffering heart attacks but not attending hospital due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residents in Perth and Kinross are now being told to seek medical help if they think they might be suffering a heart attack.
It is feared some people may ignore the symptoms as they do not want to put additional pressure on the NHS.
Others may are worried about catching the coronavirus while in hospital.
But clinicians say they should attend hospital despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Tom Martin said:“Throughout the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of patients delaying their attendance at Ninewells with acute heart attacks.
“This means that patients have not come to hospital at the first signs of a heart attack, which is a concern as any delay in treating a heart attack increases risk of death.
“We know that people are doing their best to stay at home as much as possible to help protect the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also know that people may be anxious about whether they should contact health services for non-coronavirus concerns.
“We want to reassure you all that we are still here to help. It is really important not to ignore the warning signs of serious conditions.
“Please seek help immediately if you have concerns about symptoms of a heart attack by phoning 999. If it was urgent before COVID-19, it’s still urgent now.
“We know people might be concerned about having to come in to a hospital, but we want to reassure you that we have taken every precaution to keep our staff and patients safe and protect them from COVID-19.”
Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
• chest pain – the chest can feel like it is being pressed or squeezed by a heavy object, and pain can radiate from the chest to the jaw, neck, arms and back
• shortness of breath
• feeling weak or lightheaded, or both
• an overwhelming feeling of anxiety
It is important to know that not everyone experiences severe chest pain. This is particularly the case with many women. The pain can often be mild and mistaken for indigestion.
It is the combination of symptoms that is important in determining whether a person is having a heart attack and not the severity of chest pain.