Derriford Hospital’s top heart specialist is urging people to take fast action if they suspect they may be having a heart attack.

Common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain – like being pressed or squeezed by a heavy object, with pain which can radiate from the chest to the jaw, neck, arms and back; shortness of breath; feeling weak or lightheaded; and an overwhelming feeling of anxiety.

Clinical director of Cardiology at Derriford Dr Girish Viswanathan says he is concerned that while attendance with heart symptoms at A+E nationally has returned to pre-Covid 19 levels, people appear to be delaying when they come in.

This is concerning to cardiologists as delays to treatment can result in longer term complications and can endanger lives.

’A heart attack is a medical emergency,’ said Dr Viswanathan.

’If you or a loved one experience any serious cardiac symptoms, please do not delay in asking for help - call 999 and ask for an ambulance.’

’Cardiac disease is still one of the biggest killers in this country and during the COVID pandemic we have seen significant reduction in the number of patients asking for help in cardiac emergencies, which has concerned all of us working in the NHS,’ he continued.

’Please do not delay seeking treatment as it can lead to serious long term complications, such as heart failure, and it may endanger your life.

’The Cardiology Department is here for you 24/7 and the sooner treatment can be initiated, the better the clinical outcome is likely to be.’

The Emergency Department at Derriford Hospital has put strict precautions in place to screen patients on arrival and maintain separate COVID and non-COVID zones to keep everyone as safe as possible.