ALMOST 5,000 more people have died from heart problems since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The British Heart Foundation warned patients could be delaying their treatment or avoiding hospitals during the virus’ outbreak – with deadly results.
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According to mortality data analysed by the BHF, 73,799 fatalities had heart or circulatory disease named as the underlying cause of death between March 20 and October 30.
The figure is 4,785 higher than projected – 7% higher than predicted levels.
Dr Sonja Babu-Narayan, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Going forward, we have to learn the lessons from this pandemic.
“It’s a new disease and it’s understandable that we may not have anticipated every consequence.
“We wouldn’t want the very people who need the NHS the most being the ones staying at home trying to protect it.”
The charity calculated that in the under-65s alone there has been more than 800 additional deaths.
It said that a number of factors could be behind the excess deaths including:
- People putting off seeking care for fear of “putting pressure” on the NHS
- Patients who delay seeking care for worrying symptoms for fear of contracting Covid-19 in health settings
- Delays to surgeries and routine heart care
The BHF has said that in late March the number of people attending A&E with a suspected heart attack dropped by 50% – but says numbers have since improved.
Dr Babu-Narayan added: “I feel every death is a tragedy, no matter how old you are and what your circumstance, whether it’s from Covid-19 or not.”
TAKING ITS TOLL
According to UK government figures, more than 61,000 people have died from coronavirus since the pandemic began.
But excess deaths from all causes are also seven per cent higher than the five-year average.
Deaths at home are running at roughly 100 a day more than the five-year average, while deaths in hospitals are below average.
Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter, of the University of Cambridge, said: “There continues to be 100 extra non-covid deaths each day in private homes – one-third more than usual, and showing no sign of decreasing.
“Perhaps this is a long-term effect of the pandemic. If there is good end-of-life care, then this could be a positive change, but it is unclear if this is the case.”
Dr Nick Linker, national clinical director for heart disease for the NHS in England, said: “The NHS continued to offer treatment for urgent and routine heart problems throughout the pandemic and the number of people seeking emergency care quickly rebounded during the first wave, after some people had initial concerns about coming forward for care.
“Going into the second wave, hospitals are continuing to redesign services so that care can go ahead safely, and our message remains the same: if you have symptoms, help us help you by coming forward so we can get you the care you need.”
