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The first wave of COVID-19 placed huge pressure on our health service, with elective surgeries suspended, and treatment capacity reduced significantly. We spoke to Consultant Cardiologist Dr Michael Mullen from Barts, London to understand how his centre responded to the crisis, how the pathway has changed and what they did to maximise treatment capacity. 

COVID-19 has placed a huge strain on the NHS and led to the delay of thousands of appointments and heart valve disease treatments. But behind every number is a story, and this is the story of Patient 753. All patient's identities have been kept anonymous.

COVID-19 has placed a huge strain on the NHS and led to the delay of thousands of appointments and heart valve disease treatments. But behind every number is a story, and this is the story of Patient 564. All patient's identities have been kept anonymous.

A recent British Heart Foundation study has found that between March and October there were over 5000 excess deaths from heart problems in the UK. These numbers are of great concern, and it is essential that we limit the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on the care of patients with heart valve disease. This means that: patients must know that they should go to the doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue; primary care must refer patients in a timely manner; and secondary care must maximise treatment capacity.

Angie's valve disease story started when she was a small girl after she was born with a hole in her heart. Fast forward 40 years and Angie's leaky valve began to deteriorate. After being told she needed an operation, a pandemic stopped the world in its tracks. However, despite the pressures on the health service, thanks to the brilliant work of the team at Harefield, Angie was able to receive her life-saving treatment.

In May this year, Heart Valve Voice conducted a survey of Valve Clinics in the UK to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their services and see how they adapted their practices to mitigate the rise in hospital admissions and reduction in treatment. Now, as we see infection rates and COVID-19 hospital admissions rise across the UK, we must learn from the past and limit the impact of the second wave on the NHS and valve disease patients.