The number of untreated strokes is likely to increase this winter due to public concern about the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Stroke Association has warned.
The charity is anticipating a similar drop in stroke ward admissions to that seen early in the pandemic, when the virus was taking hold.
The Stroke Association’s Recoveries at Risk report found that stroke patients were concerned about catching the virus or being a burden on the NHS.
Nearly a third of people who survived a stroke between March and June 2020 said they delayed seeking treatment due to Covid.
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said:
“When COVID cases rise as quickly as they are doing now, that sets off alarm bells at our charity and everyone involved in the treatment of stroke.
“More Omicron cases is likely to mean more preventable deaths and disability due to stroke, as people delay seeking emergency medical attention.”
The added impact of reported ambulance delays is likely to further deter stroke patients from seeking treatment, the charity said.
Meanwhile, more people are living with unmanaged hypertension and other major stroke risk factors due to lack of in-person appointments where symptoms are spotted.
Hypertension is the biggest risk factor for stroke, contributing to 55.4 per cent of stroke cases.
Bouverie added:
“That means more people are living with undetected high blood pressure and are at high risk of stroke.
“As a result, we could see even more people having a stroke this Christmas than in previous years.
“Stroke clinicians and nurses as well as paramedics and therapists have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to maintain stroke services.
“Everyone at our charity is thankful for their hard work and support.”
The Omicron variant is causing less serious disease than the Delta strain in most Britons, the government is expected to announce today.
However, due to its high transmissibility, infections could soar to the point where hospitals are overwhelmed.
