The importance of preventive healthcare for everyone during a pandemic.
Don’t neglect chronic conditions such as heart disease because of COVID-19, leading doctors advise Australians.
Peak medical bodies and the health minster, Greg Hunt, have urged Australians to continue seeing their GPs, saying COVID-19 should not mean people ignore the doctor.
“Even during the coronavirus, we still have to take care of [ourselves], whether it’s cardiac conditions, whether it’s oncology conditions, whether it’s tension or blood pressure or any of the other ordinary conditions which are part of our day-to-day health management,” says Mr Hunt. “That means – call the doctor. See the doctor if it’s a face-to-face consultation that’s required. But don’t ignore the doctor.”
According to NewsGP, the pathology sector has seen a 40% drop in routine testing, indicating that more than 60,000 Australians are not getting the tests they need.
Since March, the Federal Government has allowed all GPs, specialists and mental health professionals to bulk bill phone or video consultations with all patients. However Dr Maria Boulton, a director of the Australian General Practice Alliance says coronavirus fears have deterred patients from visiting their GP. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Harry Nespolon agrees, saying, “It’s concerning that some people are avoiding important medical appointments. The last thing we want is large numbers of health issues and worsening chronic conditions after this pandemic.”
For the 4.2 million Australians who are affected by cardiovascular disease, Heart Foundation’s Chief Medical Advisor, Professor Garry Jennings says it’s important to keep looking after your heart, stay connected with your doctor and seek medical help if the symptoms of your heart condition become severe or worsen rapidly.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death of Australians, with approximately two people dying of heart disease each hour. Yet many Australians don’t know that they have heart disease until they experience a heart attack.
The best way to know your risk of heart attack is to have a Heart Health Check with your doctor, and to be aware of symptoms that may indicate heart disease. “Any symptom that seems to be provoked by exertion and relieved by rest could be heart related. Particularly in people with ... high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a strong family history of heart disease,” says Dr Randall Zusman, a cardiologist with Massachusetts General Hospital. Symptoms of heart disease are varied and include fatigue, aches or pain, shortness of breath, foot swelling and heart palpitations.
According to the Heart Foundation, the most common heart attack warning signs are:
• Chest discomfort or pain – either intermittent or lasting
• Dizziness, feeling faint or anxious
• Nausea, indigestion or vomiting
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sweating or a cold sweat.
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Many in the medical community are calling for a greater understanding of gender-specific differences when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of male and female patients. mindfood.com/women-heart-health