What nurses can do to help reduce excess deaths from heart disease – and the importance of spotting signs of heart failure at the earliest opportunity

COVID-19 has had a profound effect on the heart health of the nation. From COVID-related heart damage to the havoc caused to the services patients rely on, the legacy of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. Soon after COVID-19 emerged, researchers identified that people with heart and circulatory diseases were at heightened risk of severe outcomes. But as the pandemic has progressed it has become clear even those who had not been diagnosed with heart problems appear to be at higher risk of heart-related complications.