PATIENTS who may be experiencing a heart attack are “putting their lives at risk” by delaying treatment due to fears they are increasing pressure on NHS services, a specialist has warned.

A leading cardiologist at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank said there was evidence that people with “acute cardiac” symptoms were waiting longer at home before seeking help.

It is thought some patients may also be anxious about the risk of contracting the virus in hospitals and other clinical settings.

Consultant Cardiologist Professor Hany Eteiba, said: “The unintended consequence during a pandemic is that people fail to seek timely medical help for other conditions.

“We are noticing that patients with acute cardiac symptoms are waiting longer at home before seeking medical care, putting their life at risk.

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“It is extremely important that people seek medical help for acute heart and lung or cancer as early as possible.

"Failing to seek help when it is essential may place your health, and even your life, at risk.

"“We want to reassure the public that the NHS remains available and well-equipped to provide care for these patients and that it is okay to leave your home for medical reasons."