A significant increase in delays on the NHS waiting list for heart care marks a heavy strain upon the healthcare system in recent years.
Within this month, 408,000 people diagnosed with severe heart problems are on the waiting list, a devastating increase from the 230,000 in February 2020. Over a third (39%) of NHS patients anticipating heart treatment report suffering a wait of over 18 weeks, facing potentially fatal symptoms due to severity of conditions diagnosed.
Around 7.6 million people live with a heart or circulatory disease in the UK, states the British Heart Foundation – with one of the most common being coronary heart disease (CHD).
If left untreated, CHD can easily become fatal with a heart attack. 86,000 deaths in the UK annually are caused by CHD – however if further delays in treatment are made, the number may increase.
Alarmingly, a survey by the Office for National Statistics concluded a fifth of NHS patients aged 16-24 across the UK are impacted heavily by delays, reporting a waiting time exceeding a year for treatment. As well, 2.7 million NHS patients complained of a wait over 22 days from booking an appointment to attending it.
With ever-increasing waiting lists due to increasing pressure upon the NHS, many people with severe conditions requiring urgent treatment may be left to suffer.
What is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)?
Coronary heart disease is a heart disease in which fatty substances build in the coronary arteries, causing blockages. It involves the walls of arteries being overrun by atheroma – deposits of fat – a process known as atherosclerosis.
If blood vessels are continuously blocked, it can lead to a heart attack.
Although the disease is common in individuals over 65, any age can develop CHD – predominating in young adults also. CHD accounts for almost 80% of heart attacks.
What are the signs of CHD?
Some common CHD symptoms are:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
- Feeling faint
- Nausea
How is CHD treated?
As well as by lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, treatment for CHD can involve surgery and prescribed medicines, both of which can be affected by delays in treatment and diagnosis.
Further reading
Medical misdiagnosis or delay – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Article by Grace Gallagher
Medical Negligence Team – Case Studies Showcase
Here is a collection of recent case studies from our Medical Negligence department, showcasing not only the variety of matters they help to resolve, but also the figure awarded to the client upon …
View
