Baton Rouge, LA (NBC 33/Fox 44)
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, heart experts at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South have noticed a 22 percent decrease in the number of patients seeking help for heart attack.
It’s happening everywhere. Physicians around the world and across the country are seeing fewer cases as well. As we told you last week, the latest national statistics show the overall number of patients getting treatment for heart attack is down 38 percent. And some studies suggest that number may be far higher. While that may sound like good news, it is NOT. Health experts agree people have not stopped having heart attacks and stroke…they’re just afraid to go to the hospital.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, experts say don’t be afraid to call 9-1-1. They say your risk of dying from one or the other far outweighs the risk of being exposed to the coronavirus.
**May is stroke awareness month. ***So for the remainder of the month, we’ll be delving deeper into the signs and symptoms of stroke…and why getting immediate treatment can make such a big difference. So be sure to join us for Heartbeat every Thursday night on NBC 33.
