The number of patients seeking urgent medical assistance in relation to heart attack or heart failure during the course of the pandemic has dropped significantly, according to recent research.

Experts have expressed their concerns after researchers found that during the first lockdown in 2020, the number of daily admissions slumped by more than 50%.  These numbers come from a recent study which included 66 hospitals around England, which compared the admission rates in the year before the Covid-19 outbreak to those recorded during the first two lockdowns, up to 17 November 2020.

It has become apparent that the number in admissions did increase in the summer when restrictions were relaxed and infection rates around England reduced.  However, from October when infection rates began to accelerate the number of cardiac admissions began to fall, with rates in reduction between 35% to 41%.

Prof. Chris Gale, a researcher from Leeds University said; ‘Medical emergencies do not stop in a pandemic’.

‘The message to patients needs to be clear.  If they experience symptoms of a heart attack or acute heart failure, they need to attend hospital’.

The British Heart Foundation have echoed these concerns with people seeking medical help.  This is after the UK saw higher than anticipated heart related fatalities, which may be linked to delays in those seeking assistance.  Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director for the British Heart Foundation and cardiologist advised the BBC in a recent interview; ‘We all know that right now the NHS is under extreme pressure but don’t let the fear of catching coronavirus or being a burden on the NHS put you off seeking help when you need it.’

‘If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack call 999 immediately.  Don’t delay, every minute matters and the NHS is ready to treat you.’

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Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager