Knox Private Hospital’s Dr Michael Rowe warns against ignoring heart attack amid coronavirus
A Knox doctor is warning the community not to put off symptoms or health concerns during the pandemic. This comes as paramedics arrived just in time to save a man life.
Outer East
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A Melbourne heart doctor is warning the community not to ignore symptoms of a potentially fatal heart attack during coronavirus.
Knox Private Hospital Interventional Cardiologist Dr Michael Rowe said people with heart conditions cannot cancel their appointments, or put off a trip to emergency because of restrictions or concern about contracting the virus.
“Cardiac conditions cannot wait,” Dr Rowe said.
“It’s critically important that patients don’t ignore potential heart related symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, palpitations and shortness of breath during these COVID times.”
Dr Rowe, who also cares for patients at Box Hill Hospital and the Epworth, said the chances of someone catching the coronavirus by coming into hospital were low.
“You still need to come in and get check-ups for your heart and all other illnesses,” he said.
Dr Rowe said there had been a drop in people coming in for a range of issues including their heart and cancer.
“When someone is having a heart attack, the faster they come in the better,” he said.
“We have had people sit at home and hold off coming in and they have bigger heart attacks than they would have.”
“The longer the delay, the more damage there can be.”
He said a heart attack is caused by a blocked artery, and a stint needs to be fitted to unblock the organ.
Dr Rowe said a patient recently called an ambulance and his heart stopped as paramedics arrived.
“They were able to start it again and he came to us and was treated,” he said.
“But it could have been disastrous.”
Knox Private Hospital general manager Vincent Borg said: “Our new Cath Lab is the latest addition to the world-class suite of facilities and treatments offered at Knox Private.”
“As we manage the challenges of these extraordinary times, we want to assure patients that Knox Private remains open and here for your care,” Mr Borg said.
“As Dr Rowe attests, the current COVID restrictions should not be a reason to neglect your health, especially symptoms that may point to potentially serious cardiac issues.”
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