Decreases in Americans' Primary Care Visits May Lead to Late Diagnoses of Potentially Serious Conditions1 - Seite 2

“It’s understandable why patients may feel compelled to avoid visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities right now. But it’s integral for them to know that not addressing symptoms may have serious consequences,” said Jenice Baker, M.D., associate emergency medicine director in Camden, NJ. “For people with symptoms that may be associated with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, talking to a doctor is imperative.”

Individuals are encouraged to visit www.NoTimetoWait.com, where they can find additional information about AFib and DVT/PE. Through the No Time to Wait campaign, the Alliance is hoping to prompt those experiencing symptoms to reach out to a healthcare provider by phone, online, or in person. Symptoms could be representative of many conditions, so only a healthcare provider is able to make the proper diagnosis.

“The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance is committed to educating Americans about the most common symptoms of AFib and DVT/PE, which are potentially serious conditions that may require time sensitive care,” said Rory O’Connor, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Internal Medicine Medical Affairs at Pfizer. “We’re proud to introduce the No Time to Wait campaign in response to the current environment, encouraging people to speak to a doctor if they feel symptoms.”

About the No Time to Wait Campaign

The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance, with support of leading advocacy organizations, launched the No Time to Wait campaign to raise awareness of symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE). Seeking medical attention early may help reduce the chance of AFib leading to, or DVT/PE becoming, something more serious. AFib, the most common irregular heartbeat, increases the risk for stroke by approximately five times.² DVT is a condition where the blood forms clots, which could travel to your lungs and lead to a PE — and be deadly.^3,4,5 To learn more about AFib and DVT/PE, including the associated symptoms and how to prepare for a healthcare appointment, visit www.NoTimetoWait.com. Visit the following resources for more information: Heart Rhythm Society, Association of Black Cardiologists, StopAfib.org, Anticoagulation Forum, National Blood Clot Alliance, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis: World Thrombosis Day Campaign, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, Mended Hearts, WomenHeart, North American Thrombosis Forum, Atrial Fibrillation Association, Arrythmia Alliance and Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium