Virtual Visits for Care of Patients with Heart Failure in the Era of COVID-19: A Statement from the Heart Failure Society of America

Collateral damage and COVID-19. With outpatient clinic visits suspended nationwide, many with chronic health conditions may have gone without usual attention. The risk is that those health conditions may decompensate and result in congestion of ERs, urgent cares and hospitals resulting in less bed capacity for covid infected patients. The top 5 hospital admission diagnosis are: 1. Congestive heart failure (CHF) 2. Arrhythmias 3. COPD exacerbations 4. Pneumonias 5. Strokes Nearly all health systems and clinics offer ongoing care by virtual health platforms. You needn't tough it out at home until you hit that tipping point necessitating ER visits and hospitalizations. By seeking medical attention early through virtual visits you can help keep beds free for covid patients. There are a number of ways to lend a helping hand in this pandemic. Maintaining your health is one of them. https://ift.tt/1VMjaZw
from Rajesh Harrykissoon, MD