Coronavirus - FAQs

[Helen_BHF]

Hi everyone,

We know that this is a worrying time for lots of people, especially if you have an existing health problem. If you have a heart condition it may mean that you could become more seriously ill if you catch coronavirus, which is why it’s really important to protect yourself.

Anyone with a heart condition is considered high risk of more severe complications and some heart patients are considered at extremely high risk.

Please take a look at our updated information page for more detail bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I’d also ask people to please try and avoid consistently fuelling anxiety or worry on the subject – it may actually make the community a more stressful place for those who are seeking support or reassurance.

Thanks all.

FAQs

1) What's the difference between social distancing, isolation and shielding?

We've recently updated our information to help you digest what the new lockdown rules mean for those with heart conditions. This includes guidance on shielding, staying at home, social distancing and which should you be doing bit.ly/2WSX0tQ

Our information page also has useful links to current government advice: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Plus our coronavirus hub has all the latest expert advice about your heart health and staying healthy at home bhf.org.uk/coronavirus

2) Should I stop taking my blood pressure medication?

We’d strongly advise people to continue taking all their medications unless advised differently by their doctor. There has been speculation about whether blood pressure medications, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers might increase the chances of severe Covid-19 infections. However, there is currently no evidence to support this.

Here’s a quote from the BHF’s associate medical director, and an analysis of the news headlines you may have seen: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

3) Should people take ibuprofen if they have coronavirus?

Public Health England say that there is not enough clear evidence to suggest taking Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs increases the severity of COVID-19 or the chance of catching it. Patients who have been prescribed NSAIDs for long term health problems should continue to take them as prescribed and contact their GP if they have concerns. Stopping any prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor is not recommended.

4) How can I stay healthy if I’m isolating at home?

We have some advice for those who may be self-isolating, to help you take care of your physical and mental well-being: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

You can also take a look at our cardiac rehab hub to help support your rehabilliation at home: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

5) Does having congenital heart disease mean I am at high risk from coronavirus?

You might want to take a look at our page on congential heart disease which includes information for both adults and children: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

6) I’m finding this an anxious or difficult time – what can I do?

Here are some resources that you might find useful.

Coronavirus and your wellbeing from the NHS’s Every Mind Matters: nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-ma...

Coronavirus and your wellbeing from the mental health charity Mind: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

7) I'm worried about going to work, what can I do?

If you’re worried about going to work, this page explains who should or shouldn’t go to work and what to do if you have issues with your employer bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

8) Is it safe to go into hospital?

Hospitals are beginning to carry out operations and procedures that were delayed because of coronavirus. If you're concerned about going to hospital at this time, please take a look at our pinned post with some answers to common questions

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

9) Am I exempt from wearing a face mask?

You don’t have to carry anything to prove that you don’t need to wear a face mask, but if you want to have something you can show, the UK government has cards you can print or display on your smartphone.

Take a look at our page on masks for more information bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...