50 per cent dip in heart, stroke patients visiting Delhi hospitals

NEW DELHI: The corona crisis in Delhi has had unusual fallout — nearly 50% reduction in patients rushing to hospitals,

even for emergencies such as heart attack, stroke and head injury due to accident.

“Acute heart attack is often precipitated by factors such as stress, smoking and pollution. These are largely under control, and could be one of the reasons why lesser number of people is landing in emergencies with heart attack,” said Dr Ashok Seth, chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI). He added that many might not be able to reach hospitals due to unavailability of transportation too.

Dr D S Rana, chairman (BOM), Sir Ganga Ram hospital, said people try to delay visiting hospitals fearing they might contract Covid-19. “This could lead to a crisis situation or may already be leading to one, as many needy may be suffering without treatment,” he said.

A study published by the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Association of Interventional Cardiologists recently showed that the number of primary angioplasties — the main treatment for heart attack — in the country dropped by 40% since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown. The study said fear of visiting hospitals and catching the virus was the main driver of this reduction.

Recently, the Centre and the state both have come up with advisory notifying that non-Covid-19 emergencies should be given equal importance. Delhi government even listed hospitals where treatment for various specialties was available. But lack of transportation and fear of getting infected continue to be a major hindrance.

According to Dr MV Padma Srivastava, professor and head, neurology, AIIMS, low footfall for emergencies involving non-corona problems has been observed not just in the country, but even in the US and UK. “Nearly 30-40% reduction in footfall has been observed in cases related to stroke,” she said.

A person experiencing sudden loss of speech, vision or trouble walking should immediately visit a hospital, she added. The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) too has issued detailed guidelines about management on stroke cases during pandemic.