An echocardiography room at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where it's safe to come in and be looked at if you have heart concerns. (Nanaimo Hospital Foundation)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Heart failure not to be forgotten during COVID-19 pandemic

May 11, 2020 | 6:47 AM

NANAIMO — With COVID-19 capturing headlines about the respiratory system, it’s important to remember what’s at the heart of the matter.

Heart failure awareness week recently ran from May 4 to May 10.

Renowned cardiologist and heart failure specialist Dr. Elizabeth Swiggum said she’s seen an unfortunate concern people won’t seek the help they need for their heart conditions.

“There’s a fear or concern that coming to the hospital would be a higher contact point for contracting (COVID-19),” she said. “In our area, an emergency is still an emergency.”

As a specialist involved at the national, provincial and regional levels to improve awareness about and how to avoid heart failure, Dr. Swiggum said it’s important to keep a close eye on heart health amid other timely medical worries.

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“Heart failure is very common, there’s excellent treatments for it and the diagnosis is really important.”

The symptoms for heart failure can be in line with COVID-19 symptoms, such as a shortness of breath, fatigue and a persistent cough, along with a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Heart failure awareness week is a timely reminder about how to care for yourself as people stay home and perhaps don’t live as healthy a lifestyle as they used to.

“If you’re sitting at home and perhaps eating more or comfort food, that is a less healthy option which can lead to chronic diseases of all sorts.”

She recommended trying healthier recipes with lower sodium content to ward off coronary artery disease, as well as exercise of all levels in a home environment.

You can find more information on heart failure here.

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