Maintain chronic health medical checks, warns Durban doctor
Many South Africans have not had their heart disease and other chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes monitored and treated adequately during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
THE Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital is warning of unnecessary cardiac deaths as a result of Covid-19 fears.
“Many South Africans have not had their heart disease and other chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes monitored and treated adequately during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, which exposes them to serious health risks,” said Dr Trishun Singh, a cardiologist at St Augustine.
Singh said while it is understandable that people are wary of going out or visiting healthcare facilities, it is important for patients with chronic conditions to stay in touch with their doctors.
“It is also of great concern that many individuals are taking the unnecessary risk due to fear of possible Covid-19 infection, and avoiding seeking medical care even in the case of a serious medical emergency such as a suspected heart attack,” he said.
ALSO READ: Investigation report reveals single source of infection caused St Augustine virus outbreak
The St Augustine hospital was closed for several weeks following a Coronavirus outbreak that led to 115 people being infected and 15 deaths.
Other hospitals across the country have had to be temporarily closed following infections to health care workers.
According to a recent worldwide survey by the European Society of Cardiology, the number of persons not seeking emergency medical care when suffering a heart attack has dropped globally by more than 50 per cent during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“It should also be noted that people with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes are considered at higher risk of contracting Covid-19 and of suffering serious complications from the infection. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States confirms this, noting that serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy [a disease of the heart muscle], and pulmonary hypertension [high blood pressure], may put people at higher risk for severe illness from Covid-19,” said Singh.
“In order to reduce their risk of developing severe Covid-19, it is therefore critical that South Africans with chronic health conditions ensure that these are well-managed with the assistance of their doctor, and to do everything else they possibly can to support both their heart and general health at this time,” said Singh.
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