PEOPLE suffering heart attacks during the coronavirus outbreak may be putting their lives at risk by delaying seeking medical help, a charity has warned.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF NI) said there has been a decline of at least 20 per cent in the people seen in hospitals across the north with a suspected heart attack since the lockdown began.
A survey by the charity found that cardiologists believe the fall is due to people being fearful of catching the virus and putting further strain on an already under-pressure NHS.
But it warned that hundreds of people may be at greater risk of suffering long-term heart damage, needing intensive care, or even dying as a result.
The Western Health Trust has set up a new telephone service to help deliver a fast diagnosis and access to treatment to those suspected of having heart attacks and other cardiac conditions.
The triage hotline has been welcomed by the BHF's Karen McCammon.
"Many cardiologists are anecdotally describing to us a dramatic decrease in the number of people going to A&E with suspected heart attacks," she said.
"The Western Trust’s telephone service, that will see a cardiac nurse on the other end of the line advising people of the next step, will help ease people’s concerns but most importantly it will direct them to how best to access necessary treatment in these uncertain times.
"The coronavirus pandemic is extremely serious, but it’s concerning if it also means people’s fears about the virus are putting them off calling 999 when they suffer heart attack symptoms. ??
"It’s totally understandable that people might feel apprehensive about having to go to hospital or putting unnecessary strain on the NHS, but heart attacks don’t stop for a global pandemic.?
"Our message is don't delay because you think hospitals are too busy - the NHS still has systems in place to treat people for heart attacks and they are still a top priority."
Dr Susan Connolly, Western Trust consultant cardiologist, said: "We are seeing a potential reduction in those having heart attacks seek medical attention in the Western Trust in the last month.
"This is very worrying as heart disease caused 1,100 premature deaths in Northern Ireland in 2018.
"Patients should not be afraid to seek medical attention if they are having chest pain. A&Es have created cohorted areas for Covid-19 patients and are well equipped also to deal with patients with non Covid-19 symptoms."
