Don’t stay away from A&E, heart patients warned

BRITAIN has recorded an extra 5,000 heart deaths since the first lockdown, experts have warned, as they urge the public not to stay away from Accident and Emergency departments this time.

The British Heart Foundation said too many people were staying away from hospitals, for fear of putting pressure on the NHS or catching Covid.

NHS figures for October show the total number of people attending A&E was a quarter lower than normal. The charity’s analysis reveals 4,622 “excess deaths” from heart and circulatory diseases from the start of lockdown to midOctober.

Dr Sonya Babu-narayan, the BHF’S associate medical director, said: “It’s very important that we do maintain access to cardiovascular care despite the winter surge and coronavirus resurgence so that we can, wherever possible, reduce these excess deaths.”

It follows warnings that the Government’s message to Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives, may have had a

“devastating” impact by deterring thousands of patients from seeking help.

Dr Babu-narayan, a consultant cardiologist, said: “I wouldn’t want people to be so worried about protecting the NHS that the patient doesn’t get protection themselves. If you have a heart condition remember the NHS is open for you.”

Dr Nick Linker, national clinical director for heart disease for the NHS in England, said: “Our message remains the same: if you have symptoms, help us help you by coming forward so we can get you the care you need.”