ICS Annual Scientific Meeting & AGM.
October 1^st -3^rd Radisson Hotel, Little Island Cork.

Last Few Days to Submit your abstract here
Closing Date : Sunday May 24^th at midnight.

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Irish Cardiac Society Survey confirms dramatic drop in cardiac admissions.

A survey undertaken by the Irish Cardiac Society (ICS) has confirmed that the number of people presenting to hospitals with acute cornorary syndromes (heart attacks) has fallen drastically in recent weeks.  Information collected from cardiologists working in hospitals throughout the country has revealed that cardiac admissions have declined in almost every location with some hospitals reporting a decrease of up to 80%.

Commenting on the findings Professor Jim Crowley, President ICS, said “we have seen across the island of Ireland that people are choosing not to seek help or attend hospital when they experience cardiac symptoms”. “This is very worrying as we know cardiovascular disease has not gone away and the prospect of a surge of patients with advanced cardiac symptoms in the coming weeks and months as an indirect consequence of COIVD-19 is concerning”.

Since the onset of the pandemic cardiologists and their teams have prepared extensively to ensure that patients can be treated safely in the case of cardiac emergencies through the development of  treatment pathways completely separate to those being used for patients with the coronavirus.  The continuation of care for existing cardiac patients has been maintained through the use of innovative ways to monitor patients and provide treatment such as remote clinics and the use of telephone and video consultations. 

“Ireland is fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated cardiologists and cardiac teams ready to deal with any cardiac emergency and continue to care and support those living with a cardiac condition” said Professor Crowley. “Whilst I fully understand why people are afraid to leave home and avoid hospitals, ignoring cardiac symptoms and delaying treatment carries the risk of severe complications with potentially longterm negative consequences and even increased mortality”.  “I have been very impressed by the efforts of my colleagues around the country to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.  Cardiology departments remain open and available to provide life-saving treatments and ongoing care, and I urge anyone with cardiac symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath to seek medical help and attend hospital if necessary.

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