How and When to Seek Medical Attention for Heart Failure Symptoms in the Era of COVID-19
When and how to seek medical attention if you are experiencing heart failure symptoms?
Patients should seek medical attention for heart failure symptoms such as persistent swelling in their legs, shortness of breath, if they cannot lay flat or if they notice significant weight gain. And their symptoms get bad such as they can not walk around their house. So they're significantly short of breath at rest, they should call 911. If symptoms are milder, they can reach to us in the clinic or using video visits through Montefiore FIRST app or through telephone visits. It is very important that patients reach medical attention when the symptoms start and they don't wait until they get very bad. We've seen that many patients wait until their symptoms get severe during the peak of the pandemic. And this can lead to patients being admitted to the hospital, when this could have been prevented by seeking earlier medical attention.
How is Montefiore keeping heart patients safe in the era of COVID-19?
At Montefiore, we kept our patients safe during the height of the pandemic and we continue to do it now using our COVID safe care protocols, such as universal screening, patient treatment designated areas, rigorous cleaning and use of masks. Also if you have Montefiore MyChart you can pre-check into your visit.
How can I continue to see my doctor in the era of COVID-19?
It is very important that during these times you keep seeing your physician, either for your prevention visits or your treatment visits. This can be done at Montefiore on a safe way using video visits through the Montefiore FIRST app or telephone calls. Also you can come and see us in person with our promise to keep you safe using our COVID safe care protocols. If you have Montefiore MyChart you can also pre-check in to make your check-in faster.