Heart disease was found to be the most common pre-existing health condition in people who died with coronavirus (Covid-19) during March in England and Wales, according to new data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS looked at 3,912 deaths in England and Wales where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. Amongst those who died, nine in ten people were already living with at least one other known health condition before they became ill with Covid-19. Fourteen percent (541 people) had ischaemic heart disease - which includes people who have suffered a heart attack or live with angina - recorded as contributing to the death, and this was the most common pre-existing condition also mentioned on the death certificate.
In support of previous findings, the rate of death from Covid-19 increases with age. These data also suggest that men had almost double the rate of deaths from Covid-19 compared to women, when adjusted for age.
In men who died between 50 and 64 years of age, up to 10 per cent had high blood pressure complications recorded on their death certificate. However, this finding is based on a small number of people and more data and research will be needed to understand this further. Heart failure and other heart conditions were included on death certificates for four per cent of women over 90 who died from coronavirus.
These data from England and Wales are in keeping with early data from other countries – including Italy and USA – where heart and circulatory diseases were common pre-existing conditions in people who died with Covid-19 or were hospitalised with the virus.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, BHF Associate Medical Director and Consultant Cardiologist, said:
"As these figures change hour-by-hour, it's so important that we keep sight of the fact that behind each number is a person with family and friends left bereaved. It is now crucially important that we look into this data and research Covid-19 to find out why people with heart disease are at risk, how the coronavirus affects the heart, and the long-term impact of Covid-19 on people with heart and circulatory conditions. This will help us to save and improve as many lives as possible.”
ONS deaths unexpectedly high
Data from the ONS confirmed that more people died this year in March and early April compared to the average number during the same time period over the last five years. Covid-19 was the third most frequently recorded underlying cause of death in March. The leading causes of death remain - dementia which includes vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. Cerebrovascular conditions, which involve problems with the blood supply to the brain, such as stroke, were listed as the fifth most common underlying cause of death.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan also said: “People with heart and circulatory diseases should be extra vigilant and follow current government advice to reduce their risk of infection. It’s also important people continue to take their medications as normal.
“Heart disease remains a killer and does not stop for a pandemic, regardless of your age or gender. It remains important to seek medical help if your symptoms worsen and to call 999 if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Both heart attacks and strokes are emergencies requiring prompt treatment to save lives and prevent major health complications.
“If you have a heart or circulatory condition, or you care for someone who does, you can visit our BHF website for information or speak with a cardiac nurse by calling our Heart Helpline"
Coronavirus with a heart or circulatory disease