LETTER: Support the British Heart Foundation

A reader urges others to continue to support the British Heart Foundation.

I would like to let your readers know the support the British Heart Foundation is offering people with heart and circulatory disease throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

People with heart and circulatory diseases are at increased risk of complications if they develop Covid-19. Heart disease is one of the most common pre-existing health conditions in people who have died with Covid-19. 

Understanding what lockdown and the different risk levels mean for people with heart and circulatory disease has been one of the most common enquiries, and the lockdown changes announced last week in England have raised further questions.

The uncertainty of the situation means we can’t answer every question, but we can often reassure people who might feel anxious and provide information and support specific to their condition.

Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen an unprecedented demand for this service. In response we’ve extended our Helpline opening hours, added to its specialist nursing team and launched an appeal to help us continue providing this service.

If you’re feeling unwell or concerned about your heart condition, it’s still vital that you use NHS services as you always would. However, our team of nurses are available if you’re trying to understand what the pandemic means for you or the health of a loved one.

To contact the BHF’s Heart Helpline call 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk.

Maureen Talbot, British Heart Foundation