Today was probably one of my worst days this this all started.. I was dealing with this in a positive way. But today after the government speech it hit me like a sledgehammer. That 90% of deaths were from people with underlying health conditions. But the worst part for me was the fact that heart disease eas top in those deaths followed by dementia. I have heart disease but would say im a fit 52 year old. But this has shook me up! I have young kids and i stress about cleaning to everyone. But why am i now feeling the grim reaper us just around the corner for me.. Sorry everyone. Its upset me today..
Please take care all you special hearties. Xx
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Rob6868
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Must say I also felt like that,after thinking oh well I haven't had the letter so not in high risk category.Just when I was feeling more at ease,sometimes I think it's down to having a good immune system.Try stay positive that's all we can do as well as taking all precautions
Hi Rob. Sorry to hear about how you’re feeling. It’s a very upsetting and stressful time. But on a positive note, my 87 year old aunt is in hospital with Covid 19. She has an underlying heart condition and asthma. A week ago was expected to die but she’s now ready to be discharged to a care home to recuperate. Please, please don’t think that if you catch this horrible virus that you wont make it through. The chances are that you will.
Exactly the same with my sister. Aged 81, in hospital 3 weeks with heart failure and lupus so very poor immune system. Then she got infeftion, low BP and high heart rate 170 that wouldn't come down. Totally bedridden and frail, I thought it was the end. Three weeks on, she is now much better , stable, has new meds, and going to be discharged on Monday.
Hi, Rob so sorry you are feeling so fearful, it’s a dreadful time but all we can do is keep our distance and keep washing our hands. My husband had a major stroke after my surgery and now I am his Carer I worry if anything happens to me what will happen to him, but every day I put one foot in front of the other and carry on. Life is for living and this virus will pass at some point! We cannot let the worry of maybe make living a chore.
We have come though being told we have heart disease, I have come through open heart surgery, so we will all do our best to stay safe.
"But today after the government speech it hit me like a sledgehammer. That 90% of deaths were from people with underlying health conditions. But the worst part for me was the fact that heart disease eas top in those deaths followed by dementia."
I think most of these risk statistics really need some interpretation.
In normal times what percentage of deaths are of people with underlying health conditions? A pound to a penny it's also 90%, or maybe even higher. And heart disease is ALWAYS (at least in the West) one of the top killers.
In other words, flip these statistics around and they're not actually telling us all that much. Higher risk people were also at higher risk of dying before Covid-19, and if they weren't anxious before then maybe they shouldn't't be unduly alarmed now.
Earlier today I was listening to a statistician from the ONS (Office for National Statistics), he was explaining that the age profile of Covid-19 deaths isn't actually all that different from the age profile of deaths in normal circumstances.
In other words the great majority of deaths are amongst the 70+ age group, with middle aged people making up a smaller but still significant percentage, and younger people representing only a few percentage points. So Coronavirus isn't killing us off any differently to how normal life kills us off!
Indeed the only statistical anomaly was that men are far more susceptible to Covid-19 than women, however you don't get men feeling they're high risk just because they're men. But from a purely mathematical point of view it makes far more sense to conclude that you're particularly high risk because you're a man than because you have heart disease or are a pensioner. Yet that's just not how we're hard wired to think about things.
So, kick back and enjoy your evening. Sure there are real risks in all this, and we need to diligently follow the social distancing guidelines. But the bottom line is that you're not walking around with a target painted on your forehead, or at least no more than you were before!
Spot on reply. I looked at the stats and age it still by far the biggest risk factor as it always was and always will be. In fact deaths from ischaemic heart disease are significantly below the the 5 year average at the same time as ischaemic heart disease is the most common underlying condition in covid deaths. The stats don't tell you this but I bet thier is a fair chance that the total number of deaths in people with ischaemic heart disease is little different overall to the 5 year average.
Hi Rob, unfortunately both the coronavirus thing and heart problems does play with your emotions and head, my workplace at first were understanding then awkward when I wasn't one getting the letter, I found myself searching out,reading and watching all the grim facts! Getting very low and tearful, very similar to when I first had the condition. Ultimately you have to do the same things as you did at first diagnosis, follow the advice, do the right things and keep a positive attitude, good luck mate, stay safe!
Can I gently suggest that if you are in tears over this, you maybe try to get a bit more help. There is lots of helpful information on the MIND website or NHS Every Mind Matters and you could also contact the BHF nurses, who will probably know of more places to get support.
You are not alone - Kate and William have just been on breakfast news talking about mental health issues and how common they are right now.
What is classed as heart disease? , This may sound stupid but I had endocarditis which resulted in a AVR, no problems since, to me I feel as though I'm fixed. Am I classed as having heart disease??
I am in exactly the same position as you as in previous endo and avr replacement. Made excellent recovery but get breathless when going up hills. Never sure if we are classed as having a heart condition or not but think that we probably are. I do know that my cardiologist always says that I must take any temperatures seriously and seek advice early because of precious endo and potential recurrence. I have not had a letter from NHS but am being very very careful 're virus. Keep well and safe.
They also said that cases were higher in men and in BAME communities, so that covers a good many people.Heart disease is not a plus factor however you look at it and it can feel unfair if you have it.I'm 55 and I definitely felt a sense of injustice when diagnosed.The thing is we can do something about corona virus by following the guidelines and trying to live a healthy lifestyle.I would recommend taking a look at 'Every mind matters' as suggested.I had CBT support about my anxiety and it definitely helped.Hope you feel better soon.
I think why I haven't received a letter is it would need to have a 3 mm Black Band around the envelope !! Again just listen to the Science it will Keep You Safe
Hi Rob. I must admit I feel like that occasionally. My daughter is looking after Covid patients so I worry about her constantly and I miss terribly my family but want them to be safe. People on this site are great. I don’t always agree with Prada but enjoy his arguments. Thank you Milkfairy for quoting Captain Tom. Things will be better and sooner than you think.
I don't mind you disagreeing with me as long as you Understand you will be wrong !!!
Take Care lol
Yes, it is difficult having heart disease and being a bloke in these Covid-19 times!
However, Rob, all we can control is our own actions and I, personally, am 100% staying at home, using the stairs to exercise and my garden to get my vitamin d...but perhaps equally importantly : I am focusing on this moment, moment by moment, instead of going off into endless speculation, and to sum up:
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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