The University Hospital of Nîmes reminds patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases that they are advised not to forget to consult, despite the confinement.
Cardiovascular pathologies represent the second cause of death in France. Despite the current crisis, cardiac and coronary emergencies remain a priority and must always be fully managed, as are chronic heart diseases.
“I have a chest ache, I’m doing the 15th”
“At the national level, we have seen a very significant drop (-40%) in heart attacks and cardiac emergencies, with unfortunately many patients who arrive in cardiology at an advanced stage of infarction. However, this is a disease which must be taken care of very quickly in order to avoid irreversible cardiac muscular damage “, indicates Pr Guillaume Cayla, head of the Cardiology service of the CHU of Nîmes and Chairman of the Atheroma and interventional cardiology group of the French society of cardiology.
The main reason is probably the fear of calling 15 for various reasons (fear of disturbing emergency services, fear of Covid-19 in the emergency room or in hospital.).
For the CHU of Nîmes, it is important to reassure the patients, to recall that the different services have been organized (Samu, Emergencies and Cardiology Service), the management of cardiac emergencies is ensured and secure, the patients and the carers are systematically fitted with masks during interventions. Circuits at the Nîmes teaching hospital are dedicated to non-Covid-19 patients, so as to avoid patients crossing paths.
“Chronic heart disease, I call my cardiologist if I don’t feel well”
It should also be remembered that chronic heart disease is monitored and managed to identify any signs of worsening. Chronic treatments should also be continued. “Do not hesitate to approach your usual cardiologist. We are all mobilized to be able to welcome patients safely,” said Professor Cayla.
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