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Major decline in the number of patients seeing doctors – survey

Doctors concerned that dramatic drop in consultations is putting patients with chronic illness at grave risk.

A recent poll conducted by Pharma Dynamics shows a major decline in the number of doctors’ appointments since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The poll, which was conducted among 40 general practitioners in May this year, compared the current number of consultations to previous years, which shows a worrying trend that could be putting thousands of lives at risk.

Dr Anna-Marie Grebe, Medical Consultant to Pharma Dynamics, said that while many with minor ailments may be staying away as a result of the lockdown, the poll shows that even those with life-threatening illnesses are forgoing regular check-ups. Apart from a general waning in patient consultations, cardiology consultations too have plummeted by 90 per cent.

While the Covid-19 pandemic must not be taken lightly, we must not lose sight of the 1,13 billion people with hypertension worldwide and the 10 million people that die every year from hypertension-related conditions such as stroke, heart and renal failure.

“Covid-19 cases and deaths are still growing, and we certainly encourage patients to follow the proper safety protocol related to Covid-19, but patients must not neglect the monitoring and treatment of hypertension and its complications,” Dr Grebe stressed.

She said some GPs have reported patients suffering fatal heart attacks as a result of opting to remain at home rather than to seek medical attention early on. Doctors fear that should the troubling trend go unchecked, many more could suffer the same fate.

It is understood that people fear getting infected with Covid-19, but if they’re living with a serious health condition, the best way to manage it is with the help of their healthcare practitioner. Photo: Pixabay. For illustrative purposes.

Dr Grebe urged patients with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes to seek immediate care if they experience any symptoms, even if they believe these may be unrelated to their underlying condition.

She said patients with cardiovascular disease should pay particular attention to the following warning signs:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest, arms, shoulders, back, jaw or stomach
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Swelling in ankles, legs or feet
• Feeling bloated with a loss of appetite or nausea
• Fast or irregular resting heartbeat
• Feeling unusually tired, inability to perform routine daily chores

The trouble with patients who have high blood pressure is that they often have no symptoms, which is why it is referred to as the ‘silent killer’. Therefore, it is essential that patients go to see their doctor for regular blood pressure and physical check-ups.

“Those who have access to digital technology, such as ABPM monitors or wearable patches that can accurately monitor blood pressure at home, should share this info with doctors on a regular basis to help physicians control their condition and to take early action, when necessary.”

The poll shows that even those with life-threatening illnesses are forgoing regular check-ups. Photo: Pixabay. For illustrative purposes.

Diabetes too is a serious and complex condition, and an emergency can arise for a variety of reasons.

Patients should seek medical help if they present with:

• Confusion, dizziness, blurry vision and nausea
• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Feeling unusually shaky, nervous, irritable or anxious
• Chest pain running down the arm
• Sweating, chills and pale, clammy skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weakness, tiredness
• Tingling of the mouth
• Headache

“Being able to recognise these signs can improve the chances of early treatment and a full recovery.”

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