In a communication released on Wednesday, the Society laid down that, based on data gathered to date, the viral infection primarily results in serious complications that might even lead to death for the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases. This high-risk group includes patients suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and various heart diseases, including coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, cardiac valvular abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmia.
Following from this, it is especially important for these patients to protect themselves, meaning that in addition to observing known rules of hygiene, it is no exaggeration to say that isolating themselves as hermetically as possible can save lives, they pointed out.
In its communication, the society of cardiologists drew attention to the fact that at present healthcare providers are providing emergency patient care services, meaning that they are postponing all inpatient and outpatient interventions provided that the non-performance of an immediate intervention does not pose a threat to the patient’s life or convey the risk of permanent damage to the patient’s health.
Therefore, they are asking heart patients that if they have no new symptoms, they should not visit hospitals or emergency rooms for routine check-ups, medical advice or prescriptions. At the same time, they should ask younger and healthy relatives to collect their medicines, which, given the present special situation, has been made possible.
The Society is asking patients to consult their general practitioners regarding their state of health by telephone. They also highlighted that, at the same time, there is no change in the way urgent cases are attended to, including any acute sickness such as continuous chest pain, heavy breathing, mental confusion, loss of consciousness and sudden increase in blood pressure. In these cases, patients should call the National Ambulance Service immediately.
In the communication, the group also highlighted that contradicting information has emerged, primarily in social media, about a possible connection between medicines widely used for the treatment of certain heart conditions and high blood pressure, including ACE and ARB blockers, and the novel coronavirus disease.
“At present, there is no clear, scientifically confirmed data to support these allegations. Therefore, in agreement with several domestic and international organizations, we are asking patients to continue therapy with the medicines prescribed for them,” the Hungarian Society of Cardiology wrote.
A call center set up for advice on the coronavirus can be reached on +36-80-277-455 and +36-80-277-456 or by email koronavirus@bm.gov.hu