By Michael Wong, JD (Founder/Executive Director, Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety)
There is No Time to Wait if You Experience AFib/DVT/PE Symptoms
The world has been a scary place over the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic raging all around us. With social distancing and masking recommendations, reports of crowded hospitals, and patient deaths, understandably millions of adults experiencing AFib/DVT/PE symptoms may have felt safer to not go see their doctor or go to the hospital:
- Symptoms like pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness of the skin can be associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, thigh, pelvis, or arm.
- Symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) include difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and fast or irregular heartbeat. A PE is a blood clot in the lungs that can be caused by DVT, and can reduce or cut off blood supply.
- Some people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) don’t notice any symptoms. Those who do have atrial fibrillation symptoms may have signs and symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue.
Unfortunately, symptoms of DVT are sometimes ignored, leaving some people at risk for serious health complications like PE, which can be deadly.
If this is how you feel, you are not alone. In a survey conducted by the Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety, it was found that patients have delayed or not seen a doctor because of COVID-19. In particular, fear of getting COVID-19 is particularly high in patients with atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular diseases – more than nine of ten (92%) of whom were extremely concerned or moderately concerned.
If you are fearful of going to see your doctor or other healthcare professionals because of the current COVID pandemic, this free COVID Safety Checklist provides an easy-to-use checklist of precautions and steps to take to keep yourself safe.
PPAHS Encourages Patients Experiencing AFib/DVT/PE Symptoms to See Their Doctor
The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety, in collaboration with the BMS-Pfizer Alliance and the organizations listed below, encourages patients experiencing AFib/DVT/PE symptoms to see their doctor:
- Heart Rhythm Society
- Association of Black Cardiologists
- StopAfib.org
- Anticoagulation Forum
- National Blood Clot Alliance
- International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH):
- World Thrombosis Day Campaign
- Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Mended Hearts
- North American Thrombosis Forum
- AF Association
- Arrhythmia Alliance
- PERT Consortium
- Alliance for Aging Research
Don’t Delay – It’s No Time to Wait!
When it comes time to symptoms of AFib, this is No Time to Wait!
Symptomatic people with AFib can often dismiss their symptoms or mistake them for other health and lifestyle factors. It is important to talk to a doctor if experiencing any of these symptoms.
Symptoms can also be associated with other potentially serious conditions not related to AFib. Only a healthcare provider can determine whether these symptoms indicate AFib or another condition.
Risk factors of AFib can include, and are not limited to, high blood pressure, advancing age, diabetes, sleep apnea, and heavy alcohol use.
When it comes to symptoms of DVT and PE, this is No Time to Wait!
Symptomatic people with DVT/PE can often dismiss their symptoms or mistake them for other health and lifestyle factors. It is important to talk to a doctor if experiencing any of these symptoms.
Symptoms can also be associated with other potentially serious conditions not related to DVT and/or PE. Only a healthcare provider can determine whether these symptoms indicate DVT and/or PE or another condition.
Risk factors of DVT and/or PE can include, and are not limited to, fractures, severe muscle injury, major surgery, immobility and/or limited movement, and paralysis.
Know the Signs of Stroke
It’s important to know the warning signs for stroke – getting treatment quickly can lessen brain damage that strokes can cause.
Please use this free checklist to know the signs of stroke.
For more on the patient safety risks of blood clots, please see our other articles. There is No Time to Wait if you are experiencing symptoms of AFib/DVT/PE – please see your doctor.