Professor Nik Patel, Consultant Cardiologist responsible for Cardiovascular Medicine at ESHT is urging people to act FAST on symptoms of heart attack and stroke.
Professor Patel urges local people not to delay in seeking treatment if they are experiencing symptoms of a:
- Heart attack – sudden chest pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck or jaw. Chest may feel heavy or tight with shortness of breath.
- Stroke – sudden onset facial weakness, arm weakness or speech problems.
It is important if anyone experiences any of these symptoms they must act FAST and ring 999.
Professor Nik Patel, Consultant Cardiologist said: “Since late March, we have seen a 50% reduction in patients who present with heart attacks, stroke or mini strokes. Treatments for heart conditions and strokes have come a long way in the last five years. However, the most effective treatment relies on early intervention. Delay can result in an adverse long term outcome or even – loss of life.”
He added: “It is really difficult when we see patients who have delayed seeking help, when we know that if they had acted sooner, treatment could have been more successful. People may feel that that they do not wish to worry us, but nothing can be further from the truth. We are well prepared to provide safe and high quality treatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please do not delay, act FAST if you have symptoms, we are here to help.”