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Seminar Will Address People Avoiding Medical Care Because of COVID-19 Fears

NEW YORK – August 12, 2020 - The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) will hold a free online seminar, “Get Heart Smart,” at 12:00 PM ET on August 24 hosted by Drs. Nisha Jhalani and Ajay Kirtane, renowned academic cardiologists from NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The seminar, part of a series of “Mini Med Schools” conducted by the CRF Women’s Heart Health Initiative, will focus on common heart disease symptoms, when to talk to your doctor, and when to seek emergency care.

In the past several months, cardiac admissions to the hospital have dropped dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to deal with this crisis, physicians, advance practice providers, and hospitals across the nation are grappling with patients who may be ignoring their symptoms out of fear of exposing themselves to the virus.

“Many people are avoiding going to the doctor or seeking medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nisha Jhalani, MD, Director of the CRF Women’s Heart Health Initiative and Director of Inpatient Clinical Services at the Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “But ignoring the dangerous symptoms of a heart attack or serious heart condition could have tragic consequences. Our seminar will cover some of the most common symptoms, what these symptoms mean, how urgently they need evaluation, and when to seek medical care.”

“During this time, it’s still important to get the time-sensitive medical care you need to stay healthy,” said Ajay J. Kirtane, MD, SM, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories and Professor of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “There are many virtual options for physician visits, and hospitals and medical centers have taken necessary precautions to keep patients safe when they need to come in for emergency care. This seminar will teach patients about the heart disease symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.”

To register for the seminar, please visit: https://www.crf.org/whhi/upcoming-events.