Sadly during the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a significant increase in deaths from heart disease. The British Heart Foundation have reported that during the first wave of the pandemic there were nearly an additional 5000 deaths from heart disease in England.

This increase in deaths is likely to have occurred for a number of reasons. Direct access to healthcare has been reduced due to the challenges posed by the emergence of a highly contagious, novel infectious disease. Individuals are also likely to have changed their behaviour and put off seeking health advice due to a fear of putting pressure on vital healthcare services. Moreover, the recognition amongst the general public and healthcare professionals alike, of the risk of contracting Covid-19 in a hospital setting, will also have reduced the number of patients seeking advice for potentially life-threatening conditions.