Get a diagnosis in a heartbeat
IT’S been widely reported that cardiac patients across the UK are missing out on potentially life-saving treatments and procedures due to the ongoing pandemic.
The figures reveal that January saw the biggest drop in the number of performed heart operations and procedures since the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020.
The number of heart operations and procedures fell from around 40,800 in January 2020 to just over 25,000 in January 2021.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is both the UK’s and the world’s number one killer, according to the World Health Organization. Whilst the most recent figures from the British Heart Foundation show that every day, 420 people in the UK die from CVD.
There are many different heart conditions and problems. Diseases relating to the heart and circulation are often referred to as cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart disease which can cause: Angina Heart attack Heart failure Abnormal heart rhythms Coronary heart disease Atrial fibrillation
What can cause Cardiovascular disease?
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can be two of the risk factors for developing heart problems. If you’re concerned about your own health or that of a loved one a simple trip to your GP may enable you to access the necessary tests.
Alternatively leading cardiologists at Nuffield Health Exeter and Plymouth hospitals offer the latest techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. Facilities include state of the art cardiac MRI, a new catheter lab (at Exeter) offering stents, pacemakers and AF and electrical ablation.
Consultant Cardiologist Professor Nick Bellenger explains why it’s important to get any symptoms checked out by a cardiologist or
your GP
Fortunately many patients with palpitations, a fast or slow heartbeat or chest pain are not suffering from an underlying condition and do not need any treatment beyond reassurance. Some patients however, may have abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation which can cause disabling symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath, and can increase the risk of suffering from a stroke. Correctly identifying and treating patients with atrial fibrillation is vital to improve quality of life and significantly reduce the number of patients suffering a stroke. Paul Taylor, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital comments;
Unfortunately the Covid pandemic has meant that people are waiting longer for medical tests and treatment and their conditions may be worsening.
Whilst we are proud to continue to support the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic, we are also able to treat private patients to help people get on with life as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t have private medical insurance you can access our care by paying for yourself.
About Nuffield Health
Nuffield Health is one of the leading not-for-profit UK healthcare organisations, looking after people for more than 60 years. Today, we run a network of hospitals, medical clinics, fitness and wellbeing clubs and diagnostic units across the UK. We also support businesses in looking after their employees by operating their fitness and wellbeing facilities services.
As a trading charity, we do not have investors or shareholders to answer to – our customers and patients come first. We invest all our income back into running and developing our health and wellbeing sites and services and pioneering new models of care and delivery so that more people can benefit. Just over 94% of our hospitals have been rated good or outstanding by independent regulators. Find out more www.nuffieldhealth/hospitals or contact: Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital 01392 262110; Nuffield Health Plymouth hospital 01752