People Having Heart Attacks, Strokes Are Avoiding The Hospital

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are urged to call 911 and get to the hospital immediately. According to Howard County General Hospital, people are avoiding going to the emergency room during the coronavirus pandemic. However, hospital leaders note that it remains "prepared to provide safe and timely care, which can be critical for patients experiencing heart-related events."

“We’ve seen a drop in hospital visits for heart attack and stroke symptoms, which we fear means patients may be avoiding clinical care out of concern that hospitals are unsafe and overwhelmed with COVID-19,” said cardiologist Dr. Michael E. Silverman, chair of medicine at Howard County General Hospital, in a statement. “Delaying care for heart attacks and strokes puts patients at serious risk, so we urge them to pay attention to symptoms and call 911 to get to the hospital for help.”

Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and discomfort in the chest, arms, back, neck, shoulder or jaw, while stroke symptoms can include numbness, weakness or loss of movement in the face, leg or arm—especially on one side—as well as confusion, trouble speaking or understanding and loss of balance, according to the American College of Cardiology.

“Heart attack and stroke symptoms are serious and require immediate attention, and we’re prepared at Howard County General Hospital to treat heart attacks and strokes safely while addressing the coronavirus pandemic,” said Dr. Eric Aldrich, medical director of Howard County General Hospital’s Stroke Center, in a statement. “If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, don’t wait. Call 911 for emergency care.”

Howard County General Hospital’s Stroke Center is designated by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems as a primary stroke center in Maryland. Howard County General Hospital has also received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Howard County General Hospital posted more information and videos about heart attack symptoms and stroke symptoms on the hospital’s website.