Survival and support
Calls to Heart Helpline rise after changes to lockdown rules
The number of people calling our helpline has doubled on average since the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19), with a spike this week following new lockdown rules.
Our Heart Helpline has received more than 11,000 calls and emails since the beginning of March, with contact reaching four times its normal level at the peak.
This week saw another rise, with email and call volumes 52% higher than the previous week. The spike came after the Prime Minister’s announcement to loosen lockdown rules.
Most helpline callers are concerned about their risk of developing or dying from Covid-19 due their heart condition, and how safe it is for them to return to work as the lockdown is eased.
People with heart and circulatory diseases are at increased risk from Covid-19, which the charity says is prompting the concern. Heart disease was the most common pre-existing health condition in people who died with Covid-19 during March in England and Wales, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Expanding our support
To meet the unprecedented demand for the service, we have extended our helpline opening hours and added to our specialist nursing team. We are also encouraging researchers to direct their research efforts into better understanding the effect of Covid-19 on the heart and circulatory system, and to investigate potential treatments.
Maureen Talbot, our Head of Clinical Support and a cardiac nurse on the helpline, said: “The uncertainty of the situation, heightened by the changes announced this week, means we can’t answer every question on our helpline, but we can often reassure people who might feel anxious and provide detailed information about their condition.
“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.”
In addition to the helpline, we have created a coronavirus hub on its website with information based on the latest evidence about the virus, which has helped more than one million visitors.
With its 750 UK shops closed and fundraising events cancelled, such as our flagship London to Brighton bike ride, Covid-19 is estimated to be costing us around £10 million a month.
In a new campaign, we are appealing to the public for support in funding our vital helpline and life saving research.
Liz's story
Grandmother-of-three Liz Timms, 69, from Cambridgeshire, was recently diagnosed with a rare heart condition called an atrial myxoma. This means Liz had a tumour on her heart which can cause blood clots to form and lead to a stroke if not treated urgently. Within days of being diagnosed, she had open heart surgery to remove it.
Once home from hospital, Liz turned to the BHF’s Heart Helpline after being given a BHF booklet on heart surgery by a nurse.
Liz, who is still recovering at home, said: “When I spoke to a cardiac nurse on the Heart Helpline, they were fantastic and made me feel a lot better. It was a huge comfort knowing that this service was there if I needed it and to be able to talk to someone with a knowledge of heart issues.
“It felt like a lifeline.”