Around half of people with heart and circulatory diseases have found it harder to get medical treatment since the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic began, according to a survey.
In addition, almost a third have found it harder to get the medicines they need, according to the YouGov poll of 1,409 UK adults with known heart and circulatory conditions such as congenital heart disease and heart rhythm problems, as well as those who’ve previously suffered a heart attack or stroke.
Difficulties in accessing vital treatment and care could have a damaging impact on people’s health, and even result in an increase in deaths. It could also lead to a tidal wave of increased NHS pressure as a result of heart and circulatory patients becoming sicker while awaiting hospital investigations and treatment.
We can't let the backlog grow larger
Of the people who found it more difficult to access medical treatment from a healthcare professional during the Covid-19 crisis:
41 per cent said they’d had a planned test, surgery or procedure postponed or cancelled,
48 per cent said a lack of available face-to-face appointments was a reason for this.
On top of this, anxieties remain about whether patients should seek medical help.
42 per cent said they didn’t want to put extra pressure on the health service,
27 per cent said they were concerned about the risk of developing Covid-19 in a healthcare setting.
We are calling on the Government and the NHS to urgently address the immediate needs of heart and circulatory patients who have had care postponed during the coronavirus pandemic. We argue this can be done by increasing the number of heart procedures, surgeries and tests that are carried out, such as procedures for pacemakers and stents, as well as heart imaging tests. In addition, NHS support systems should be restored for people with conditions, such as heart failure, which can help keep people out of hospital.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, our Associate Medical Director, said: “People with heart and circulatory diseases are already at increased risk of dying from Covid-19, and their lives should not be put at even greater risk by missing out on treatment for their condition.
"While doing all we can to fight the virus, we must continue to provide care for people with heart and circulatory conditions in a safe way.
“At the very least, around 28,000 planned inpatient heart procedures have been deferred in response to the Covid-19 outbreak in England alone. This backlog will only get larger and the patients in need of treatment could get sicker as their care is delayed further. If hospital investigations and procedures are delayed too long, it can result in preventable permanent long-term complications, such as heart failure.
“In addition, non-hospital-based health services must not be forgotten, as these enable people with heart and circulatory diseases to stay well and out of hospital.”
Sarah's story
Sarah Miles, 45, a former nurse and mother of two from Somerset, had a heart attack and cardiac arrest at 38, which led to heart failure. She has been medically advised to shield because she is considered by her doctors to be at extremely high risk of developing complications from the virus.
Sarah said: “Since lockdown began, I’ve had a series of delayed or cancelled appointments, and I’m worried this could have a serious impact on my physical and mental health.
“A planned assessment to consider whether I am suitable for and need a potentially life saving heart transplant was cancelled.
“As well as heart failure, I also have diabetes, and my latest diabetes review was postponed. Getting medication has also been an issue for me.
“The trouble I’ve had in accessing treatment and care has caused me great anxiety because I worry about the potential long-term impact on my health. It will be such a relief when services start to go back to normal, whenever possible. As I’m shielding, I need reassurance that I will be seen safely when my services resume.”
In response to the pandemic, we are engaging with the Government and health services to ensure the needs of people with heart and circulatory conditions are well represented.
At the same time, we are doing all we can to offer information and support to people living with these diseases throughout the current crisis, and beyond, through our website and Heart Helpline.
Covid-19: Your questions answered