Andrea Faulk, Author at SRO PR

June 5, 2020

Nordic Folk Band WARDRUNA Debut New Single/Video “Lyfjaberg” (‘Healing-hill’)

DT: JUNE 5, 2020
FM: KELLY WALSH

NORDIC FOLK GROUP
WARDRUNA

REVEAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE

“LYFJABERG”

(“Lyfjaberg” single artwork; credit – Ane Os)

After being forced to postpone the release of their upcoming album KVITRAVN to January 22, 2021 due to extenuating circumstances throughout the world, traditional Nordic folk outfit WARDRUNA decided now was not the time to be silent and headed into the studio to write and record a new song, “Lyfjaberg.” The title translates to English as a ‘healing-hill’ or ‘healing-mountain’ and is known from Norse mythology and the Eddic poem Fjölsvinnsmál as a place of comfort and cure for the sick and sore who manage to climb the mountain and bear offerings at its shrines. WARDRUNA filmed a music video for “Lyfjaberg” that was filmed in the mountains of the island Tustna in Norway. Watch the video now, along with translated lyrics in the description, on YouTube HERE or streaming below.

The band shot the video in early May, when suddenly winter decided to return with full strength, and they ended up wading in half a meter of snow for three days and nights. On many levels, the process of making of this video reflected the meaning of the song itself. They all had to climb a few of their inner mountains to get it done.

“The song expresses that climbing a tough mountain, both in reality and metaphorically, is a mental as well as a physical effort,” shares founding member and composer Einar Selvik. “I have tried to write this journey up the mountain as one for the mind and spirit as much as the feet and body. Anything of true value, comes at a true cost.”

WARDRUNA – “Lyfjaberg” Music Video

“Lyfjaberg” is available now across all digital platforms. Stream/download it now at: https://wardruna.lnk.to/Lyfjaberg. Pre-order the single on limited 12″ white vinyl at https://wardruna.aisamerch.com/item/90844.

Find more information on WARDRUNA here:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

585-765-5162

May 28, 2020

SUNNY OZELL Releases “Not Afraid,” Latest Single From Her ‘Overnight Lows’ Album

DATE: MAY 28, 2020

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

SUNNY OZELL

RELEASES

“NOT AFRAID,”

LATEST SINGLE FROM HER ‘OVERNIGHT LOWS’ ALBUM

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Singer-songwriter SUNNY OZELL has announced the release of her brand-new single and video for “Not Afraid,” from her recently released second album OVERNIGHT LOWS. Watch the clip here.

The aptly titled new track–marked by its defiant sentiment in the unprecedented situation the world presently finds itself in–espouses a powerful message amidst isolation, fear and the different types of thoughts that creep up and plague us all with worry when we can’t sleep. SUNNY‘s strong personality permeates stand-out production, resolute groove and message of boldness. “Not Afraid” follows the album’s last single “All That I Am,” which debuted earlier this year at AMERICAN SONGWRITER; the video for that track has already garnered more than half a million views.

“I put my record OVERNIGHT LOWS out on February 28 and I had a lot of things ‘on the books’ to promote this album that I’m so fucking proud of,” SUNNY says. “But the planet, or rather, a sub-microscopic pathogen, had other plans.”

“In very short order, the things that truly matter have come into very sharp focus: love, safety, family and friends. I wish health to you and everyone you hold dear. I thought it might be a good time to share ‘Not Afraid,’ another single from my record…it’s appropriately ominous, but triumphant all the same.”

This past weekend, SUNNY was featured, alongside her husband Sir Patrick Stewart, on CBS’ “Sunday Morning.” SUNNY also recently shared her “Church Sessions,” three videos that were filmed at centuries-old churches throughout the UK earlier this year. The clips merge her love of music, history, and travel. Watch the clips here. Next up is a new release, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.

OVERNIGHT LOWS gleams with engaging melodies and intelligent wordplays, performed with a sophisticated fluency in pop, jazz, soul and Americana dialects. In SUNNY‘s words, OVERNIGHT LOWS reflects the soul and simplicity of her passion for such inspirations as Bonnie Raitt, David Byrne, Cassandra Wilson, and Aretha Franklin. Players on the album include Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant, Aimee Mann, Alison Krauss), Tyler Chester (George Ezra, Maddison Cunningham), Andy Hess (The Black Crowes, David Byrne), Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Roseanne Cash), and Rich Hinman (Sara Bareilles). The album was recorded at Village Studios in Los Angeles, and engineered by Mike Piersante. Listen to the album here.

www.sunnyozell.com

Facebook.com/madameozell

Twitter.com/sunnyozell

Instagram.com/madameozell

May 26, 2020

IN HEARTS WAKE Share New Video Single “HELLBRINGER” Feat. JAMIE HAILS (POLARIS)

DT: MAY 26, 2020

FM: KELLY WALSH

IN HEARTS WAKE

SHARE NEW SINGLE / MUSIC VIDEO
“HELLBRINGER”
FEAT. JAMIE HAILS OF POLARIS

WATCH HERE

NEW ALBUM ‘KALIYUGA’

OUT AUGUST 7 VIA UNFD

Photo Credit: Sally Patti

Australian metalcore outfit IN HEARTS WAKE have teamed up with Polaris vocalist Jamie Hails on their new single and music video “Hellbringer.” The single–out today, May 26–is the third release from the band’s upcoming 100% carbon offset album KALIYUGA due August 7 via UNFD. Watch “Hellbringer” below or stream/download it via your preferred digital platform at https://unfd.lnk.to/kaliyuga.

“Hellbringer” features gleefully wicked guitar licks, mosh-friendly breakdowns and the anthemic choruses IN HEARTS WAKE are known for. The single and its accompanying video jubilantly celebrates the freedom and joy of unbridled heavy music, in defiance of those people who call it ‘the devil’s music’. The band reminds people that they don’t need to take themselves too seriously, as they create a video that parodies the awkwardness of live music streams in the new normal created by COVID-19.

Vocalist Jake Taylor shared how the video’s concept was developed:

“At some of our American shows, extremist groups have picketed outside, telling our fans that they’re ‘going to hell’. If only they knew just how positive the energy inside the venue was! Never judge a book by its cover. So rather than fight hate with hate, we decided to have some fun and lean into the metal stereotype. In 2020 with live streams becoming the new norm, we decided to stage our own hell-bent circus. We thought it would be funny to ask Jamie to dress up as a werewolf, turn me into a vampire and rain blood on the entire band. Guess Halloween came early this year. Thank you Blade.”

In Hearts Wake - Hellbringer ft. Jamie Hails of Polaris [Official Music Video]

“Hellbringer” follows two previously released singles, “Son Of A Witch” and “Worldwide Suicide,” from KALIYUGA which was entirely carbon offset. The band measured every power socket, light bulb, pound of freight, travel and food consumed during the recording process of the record. They found the total carbon footprint came to 26.37 tonnes of CO2e. This has been entirely offset through the purchase of carbon credits in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor of Western Australia. The album will also be packaged and manufactured plastic free, using recycled materials.

Pre-orders of KALIYUGA are available now at unfdstore.com.

For more information on the album as well as exclusive insights, news and content, visit thehouseofkali.com.

For more information on IN HEARTS WAKE, please visit
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

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For press opportunities and/or to speak with IN HEARTS WAKE, please contact:

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Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

585-765-5162

May 26, 2020

Nordic Folk Outfit WARDRUNA Announce New Single “Lyfjaberg” Out June 5

DT: MAY 26, 2020

FM: KELLY WALSH

NORDIC FOLK OUTFIT

WARDRUNA

ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE

“LYFJABERG”

OUT JUNE 5

When circumstances forced Nordic traditional folk outfit WARDRUNA to postpone the release of their upcoming album KVITRAVN via BY NORSE MUSIC in the U.S. and SONY MUSIC / COLUMBIA RECORDS (worldwide excl. U.S.), it was clear to the band that they still wanted to release new music. Music and art can potentially carry great meaning in times of uncertainty so WARDRUNA decided that now was not the time to stay silent and headed straight back into creative mode and the studio to write and record the song “Lyfjaberg.”

The Old Norse word ‘Lyfjaberg’ translates to English as ‘healing-hill’ or ‘healing-mountain’ and is known from Norse mythology and the Eddic poem Fjölsvinnsmál as “a place of comfort and cure for the sick and sore who manage to climb the mountain and bear offerings at the shrines there–a gift demands a gift in return.”

WARDRUNA founding member and composer Einar Selvik comments: “The song expresses that climbing a tough mountain, both in reality and metaphorically, is a mental as well as a physical effort. I have tried to write this journey up the mountain as one for the mind and spirit as much as the feet and body. Anything of true value, comes at a true cost.”

“Lyfjaberg” will be available on all digital platforms on Friday, June 5.

Find more information on WARDRUNA here:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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For press inquiries, please contact:

SRO PR

Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

585-765-5162

May 22, 2020

LA Alt Rock Group SONS OF SILVER Share New Track “Quarantined In California”

DT: MAY 22, 2020

FM: MARCEE RONDAN/KELLY WALSH

LOS ANGELES ALT ROCK GROUP

SONS OF SILVER

SHARE NEW TRACK

“QUARANTINED IN CALIFORNIA“

SONG WAS WRITTEN AND RECORDED REMOTELY

AMIDST WORLDWIDE CORANIVIRUS PANDEMIC

WATCH HERE

Los Angeles alternative rock group SONS OF SILVER were in the midst of preparing for the release of their upcoming EP when the global coronavirus pandemic brought everything to a quick halt. The result, a new track and video for “Quarantined in California” which has already garnered 68,700 views on YouTube. The band–Peter Argyropoulos: vocals, guitar, Brina Kabler: keys, vocals, Kevin Haaland: lead guitar, Adam Kury: bass, Dave Krusen: drums– wrote, recorded and filmed all from their homes throughout Southern California. Watch the video HERE.

“It’s one of those classic stories of a song that pops into your head in the middle of the night,” Peter Argyropoulos says. “I made a quick recording on my phone, sent it to the band and, the next thing I know, everyone’s recording their parts at home. Dave tracked his drums and sent them to Adam. Adam tracked his bass and sent everything to Kevin. Kevin did the guitars and sent all the tracks back to Brina and I. We did the vocals and mixed it and that was that. To be honest, I wasn’t sure we’d even release it, but Kevin’s guitars gave what was otherwise a campfire song, some Social Distortion-like edge. The video was frosting on the cake because we had no plan other than ‘have fun with it’ and, because of that, it genuinely captures each of our personalities. Shot on our iPhones, one take for each of us. The edit is raw because it suits the approach and the times. And no, the part where I push Brina away when I sing ‘social distance long at last’ wasn’t planned, but she did a good job of playing along.”

With their forthcoming EP Rude Awakenings (details of which will be announced soon), SONS OF SILVER carries on the rock ‘n’ roll tradition that stirs up dialogue and discourse, with rip-roaring riffs, bluesy rhythms and provocatively poetic lyrics. Under the previous name of Peter RG, the group built a catalog of two EPS–Lightning Strikes [2016] and Reaching for the Moon [2016]–and the 2017 full-length Tender Souls. Recharged as SONS OF SILVER in 2019, they served up the singles “Never Enough” and “Down.”

For more information on SONS OF SILVER, please visit:

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

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May 19, 2020

Saving VIP’s CAFE in Tarzana, CA Amid Covid-19 Hardship

DT: MAY 19, 2020

FR: MITCH SCHNEIDER, SRO PR

SAVING VIP’S CAFÉ,

UCLA COACH JOHN WOODEN’S FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP

COMMUNITY LAUNCHES GOFUNDME

TO HELP RESTAURANT AFFECTED BY CORONAVIRUS

LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2020–Ryan Hagen, San Fernando Valley resident, today announced the launch of a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of saving VIP’s Cafe in Tarzana, CA after the restaurant was forced to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hagen is turning to the community to help since the restaurant has received no assistance from the SBA loans available to small businesses as of this time.

Owners Paul and Lucy Ma bought the restaurant in 1998 and have built a long list of celebrity patrons in addition to their local loyal clientele over the years. VIP‘s is best known for being UCLA Coach John Wooden’s favorite coffee shop, where his favorite booth is memorialized along with his favorite breakfast being featured as the “Coach Wooden Special” on the menu. It has become a destination for Bruins fans around the globe and the gallery of photos–featuring celebrity athletes, musicians, and actors with owners Paul & Lucy–provide a “who’s who” in major sports and entertainment patrons over the years. Since closing in mid-March, Paul and Lucy have had no income, had to furlough their staff, and hope for a small business loan while awaiting when they may be able to reopen. On May 11th they reopened for takeout, but like any business that closes, it is having a difficult time getting the word out.

Hagen hopes to rally the community along with those who love VIP‘s to give Paul and Lucy an opportunity to recover from eight weeks of no income to assist with outstanding rent; cover business expenses associated with reopening such as food and electricity; bringing staff back onto payroll; and giving the loyal staff with decades of service a place to return to.

VIP’s Cafe was established in 1998 and has served the San Fernando Valley for 22 years. The restaurant is located at 18345 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356. Takeout hours are 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM seven days a week.

GoFundMe Link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/SaveVIPsCafe-covid19-relief-fund

For more info please, contact Ryan Hagen:

(805) 208-8476

ryan@zealousprojects.com

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May 19, 2020

Norwegian Composer/Musician EINAR SELVIK Announces Bergen International Festival Live Stream Performances

DT: MAY 19, 2020

FM: KELLY WALSH

NORWEGIAN COMPOSER AND MUSICIAN
EINAR SELVIK
ANNOUNCES TWO LIVE STREAM PERFORMANCES DURING BERGEN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

AT MEDIEVAL ROYAL FEASTING HALL, HÅKONSHALLEN (BERGEN, NO)
MAY 20 & 21

SELVIK CONFIRMED AS ONE OF THREE COMPOSERS FOR
ASSASSIN’S CREED VALHALLA VIDEO GAME MUSIC

EINAR SELVIK–the Norwegian composer, musician and creative mastermind behind the Nordic folk band WARDRUNA, who use of a wide range of old Nordic instruments and lyrics placed in a contemporary soundscape to musically interpret Old Norse and Nordic traditions–has an exciting week ahead.

Einar will perform one of his most iconic songs, “Voluspá,“ with The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Norwegian vocal ensemble The Edvard Grieg Kor as part of the opening ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 for the Bergen International festival held at the medieval Royal Feasting Hall, Håkonshallen, in Bergen, NO.

Einar will also appear for a full performance on Thursday, May 21 where he will perform songs over the span of his career-including WARDRUNA‘s new single, “Grà“–while being joined by numerous guests including Ivar Bjornson, members of Enslaved and Wardruna band member Lindy-Fay Hella. The concert will take listeners on a musical journey outside Wardruna‘s usually massive soundscape, and instead present a more stripped-down and direct expression where song and instruments such as Kravik-lyre, Bowed Lyre and Hardanger-fiddle play key roles. The festival will be live streamed at https://www.fib.no/en/einarselvik. Full details and times can be found below.

Einar has gained worldwide recognition for his massive musical contributions to History Channel‘s TV series VIKINGS–which consists of over 60 placements and substantial work on the show’s musical score. Einar recently revealed that he will be composing music for the popular video game series Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, along with the game’s composers Sarah Schachner and Jesper Kyd. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

BERGEN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL DETAILS:

Wednesday, May 20

Opening ceremony: 8.30 P.M. CET

Einar Selvik with The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Norwegian vocal ensemble The Edvard Grieg Kor

Thursday, May 21

EINAR SELVIK Full Performance: 9.00 P.M. CET

Line-Up:

Einar Selvik – vocals, kraviklyre, taglharpe, sotharpe

Ivar Bjørnson – guitar

Iver Sandøy – drums, percussion, vocals

Silje Solberg – hardingfele, vocals

Håkon Vinje – piano, vocals

Lindy-Fay Hella – vocals

Watch the livestream at this link: https://www.fib.no/en/einarselvik

KVITRAVN cover artwork

WARDRUNA will release of their fifth full length album, KVITRAVN–which translates to ‘White Raven’–on January 22, 2021 via BY NORSE MUSIC in the U.S. and SONY MUSIC / COLUMBIA RECORDS (worldwide excl. U.S.). Pre-order options for KVITRAVN are available via digital download at https://wardruna.lnk.to/Kvitravn_Album. The album is also available on CD and 180-gram 2LP gatefold vinyl (black or ltd. Edition white) at https://wardruna.aisamerch.com/.

For more information on EINAR SELVIK and WARDRUNA, please visit

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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585-765-5162

May 19, 2020

GODSMACK Celebrate Fourth #1 Rock Track From ‘When Legends Rise’ Album

DATE: MAY 19, 2020

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/ MITCH SCHNEIDER/KELLY WALSH

GODSMACK

CELEBRATE REMARKABLE

FOURTH #1 ROCK TRACK AND

11^TH #1 SINGLE OF THEIR CAREER

FROM THEIR

‘WHEN LEGENDS RISE’ ALBUM

Multi-platinum hard rock titans GODSMACK have managed to set another career milestone as “Unforgettable” becomes the fourth #1 rock track from their latest smash album WHEN LEGENDS RISE (BMG). This accomplishment makes GODSMACK one of only four rock acts to reach this achievement. The song also marks the 11^th #1 single in the band’s career.

“We all had a good feeling about this song to begin with, it was just a matter of waiting for its turn to become a single,” the band’s front man SULLY ERNA says. “But even a ‘feeling’ doesn’t guarantee you a number one spot on Billboard. So, for this to actually happen and see it in writing is really exciting. We are mostly happy for the kids who participated on this one. They’re the voice of this song, and the true hidden heroes behind it.”

“The kids” refer to the students featured in the band’s “Unforgettable” video. Released last month and directed by

Noah Berlow, the clip culminates a two-year process where GODSMACK (Erna [vocals, guitar], Tony Rombola [guitar], Robbie Merrill [bass] and Shannon Larkin [drums]) involved these students in the track. It started with the recording of the song when 20 students joined the band in the studio to provide vocals on the chorus. These same students were also invited to perform the song live onstage with GODSMACK at their show in Gilford, NH on

August 22, 2018 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. Earlier this year, the band returned to the Gilbert H. Hood Middle School and enlisted students to rehearse with them the day before the shoot to prepare them for the filming. As part of the band’s visit,

SULLY talked to the students about his life–the challenges, blending in, how music saved him–and encouraged the young musicians to continue to pursue their dreams.

“Unforgettable” follows three previous #1 singles from GODSMACK‘s critically acclaimed and seventh studio album WHEN LEGENDS RISE: “Under Your Scars,” and “When Legends Rise” plus “Bulletproof,” which was certified Gold in the U.S. and was also the most-played song at rock radio in 2018. WHEN LEGENDS RISE entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart in the top ten (#8), with four #1 placements on other charts: Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Music Albums, Top Independent Albums and Top Alternative Albums.

For more information on GODSMACK, visit:

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Singer-Songwriter DYLAN HARTIGAN Shares New Single “What’s In The Cards”

DT: MAY 15, 2020

FM: KELLY WALSH/MITCH SCHNEIDER

SRO PR (LOS ANGELES)

LYNDIE WENNER

SRO PR (NASHVILLE)

SINGER-SONGWRITER

DYLAN HARTIGAN

SHARES VULNERABLE SIDE WITH NEW SINGLE

“WHAT’S IN THE CARDS”

Indie folk/Americana singer-songwriter DYLAN HARTIGAN shares his vulnerability on new single “What’s In The Cards” as he opens with the soul-stirring lyrics, “What’s in the cards darlin’, Could it be me and you? If it’s not, then I’m caught in the cosmic slide that never wants to pull through.” The single premiered via Stereo Embers magazine yesterday (5/14) which praised it stating, “There’s a touch of tension and a touch of optimism operating from different corners throughout the song and Hartigan’s delivery is filled with aching exactitude.” “What’s In The Cards” is available today across all digital platforms, stream/download it HERE.

“‘What’s In The Cards’ is about love and how you kind of never really know how long it’s going to last,” says DYLAN. “This song is trying to figure out a basically unanswerable question.“

“What’s In The Cards” was recorded by Grammy-nominated producer Bobby Holland (ZZ Ward, Kesha, Drake White) in Nashville alongside co-producer and rock n soul artist Maggie Rose. The track will be featured on DYLAN‘s upcoming yet-to-be-titled debut album due this fall alongside the previously released single, “My Island,” which premiered on American Songwriter (4/2/2020). DYLAN partnered with the Empty Space Project to record an intimate video for “My Island” as part of their series which feature artists using minimal resources in at-risk or abandoned locations around local communities. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/EzRpRzPSMbU.

DYLAN has been an entertainer since childhood, having pursued acting at an early age with supporting roles in The Stepford Wives (2004) aside Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick and the coming-of-age film Funeral Kings (2012) plus appearances on TV shows including “The Black Donnellys” (2007) and “Law & Order”(2008). With a desire to explore his passion for music, he tried out for Season 14 of NBC’s “The Voice” reality singing competition and made it all the way to live performances, earning praise from such national outlets as the Hollywood Reporter which described him as “soulful and charming [with] impressive range.”

DYLAN has previously toured across the country on intimate performances hosted by Sofar Sounds and performed onstage with “The Voice” judge Kelly Clarkson during the Allentown, PA stop of her “Meaning of Life” tour last year. Prior to coronavirus’ impact on live performances and events, DYLAN was scheduled to open for co-producer Maggie Rose and Them Vibes on a stretch of dates across the East Coast.

Photo Credit: Ford Fairchild

For more information on

DYLAN HARTIGAN, please visit:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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May 12, 2020

Noted Cardiologist PROFESSOR DR. ERNST VON SCHWARZ, Shares Expert Viewpoints On The Decline Of Heart Attacks Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic

DATE: MAY 12, 2020

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN/MITCH SCHNEIDER, SRO PR

PROFESSOR DR. ERNST VON SCHWARZ,

ONE OF THE MOST PUBLISHED AND RECOGNIZED

CARDIOLOGISTS IN THE WORLD,

SHARES EXPERT VIEWPOINTS ON THE DECLINE OF

HEART ATTACKS

AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

FEWER DIVORCES, LIKELY LESS INFIDELITY,

REDUCED DAILY STRESS AND ROAD RAGE

PROFESSOR DR. ERNST VON SCHWARZ–one of the most published and recognized cardiologists in the world and director of the Southern California Hospital Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA—is sharing his expert viewpoints on the decline of heart attacks amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Right now, there are fewer divorces, likely less infidelity, reduced daily stress and road rage,” PROFESSOR DR. ERNST VON SCHWARZ says. “The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new and different reality. There are reports that heart attacks and strokes are being seen less frequently in the hospitals, which I can confirm from my experience in several hospitals in Southern California, and I’ve heard similar stories from across the U.S.”

“In California alone,” he elaborates, “ERs have reported a 40-70% reduction in non COVID-related ER visits. Without any doubt it is true that many patients are just too scared to go to the hospital and might delay their needed care; however, there are many more factors involved including patient-related, healthcare-related and environmental factors.”

In the bullet points below, PROFESSOR DR. ERNST VON SCHWARZ offers explanations for the current reduction in hospital admissions of patients with acute heart attacks during the pandemic.

He explains that “there are three factors to be considered and a few hypothetical pathophysiology mechanisms.

●Patient-derived factors.

●Health Care Provider-derived factors

●Environmental factors

●Pathophysiologic Model of Stress

Patient-derived factors:

Patients are scared and stay at home and try to avoid going out; they don’t want to be in a hospital. If that would be the main cause, then we would expect a much higher number of patients dying at home from heart attacks, which has not been reported, yet. Even though the pandemic and home confinement as well as the economic burden can cause enormous chronic stress for many, the up and downs and daily anxieties from being at work, on the road, running from on appointment to another, stressing out with business associates and customers etc. is off the table for many. It has been replaced by hanging out on the couch and watching ‘Tiger King,’ which in fact, seems to be very relaxing and entertaining for many. The replacement of daily stressors by staying at home might keep the heart calmer.

Another patient-related factor might be a reduction in heavy exercising, since all the gyms are closed, and people might stress their heart out less vigorously. That does not mean exercise would be harmful, but if someone has coronary disease with severe blockages, heavy physical activity requires higher oxygen demands and thus possibly ischemia (lack of oxygen) leading to heart attacks and life threatening arrhythmia.

Furthermore, there is likely less infidelity, simply because of lack of opportunities, i.e., no bars or restaurants are open, not even coffee places anymore. Less infidelity causes less stress at home, which might result in fewer triggers for heart attacks (which often appear after stressful situations at home). Even though sexual activity in general has a low incidence of heart attacks and sudden death, few old studies showed that if people die from a heart attack during sex, it was oftentimes with a partner other than the spouse and oftentimes after heavy eating and drinking. Again, no bars, no restaurants, no parties or corporate meetings, no gyms to hook up, therefore less infidelity, and likely less heart attacks.

Another patient-related factor is a reduction in court cases including divorces during the pandemic. Divorce is an extremely stressful situation and many patients develop chest pains, angina, even heart attacks during the divorce procedures. The courts are closed right now, nobody gets divorced, nobody undergoes the stressful situation being in court trials which might also reduce the number of heart attacks at least among some patients.

Healthcare-derived factors:

Doctors are seeing less patients in their clinic, so they are sending less patients to the hospitals. Telemedicine is done, but even though we do have the technical capabilities to get EKGs in the patients’ homes and to evaluate those via telemedicine media, most doctors do not have this opportunity, so less EKGs are done, less heart attacks are diagnosed, less heart attack patients come to the hospital. Furthermore, doctors and healthcare providers are not performing elective surgeries. If there are no elective surgeries, then there are no periprocedural heart attacks. In other words, even a minor surgery can have a small risk of a cardiovascular event such as a stroke or heart attack if the patient has underlying but often undiagnosed heart disease. Even though these numbers are low, most of heart attacks that occur during hospital admissions for other than cardiac reasons occur during elective surgeries. No elective surgeries, no gall bladder removals, no knee surgeries, no cosmetic surgeries, etc., therefore no periprocedural heart attacks. Furthermore, many doctors do not perform ‘high risk’ procedures during the pandemic since those could occupy hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators and staff and therefore, are postponed until after the pandemic crisis.

Environmental factors:

The air is cleaner, there is less air pollution, less traffic on the streets and freeways, less motor vehicle accidents, less road rage, all of which reduces the daily stress we all go through during ‘normal’ times.

Pathophysiologic Model of Stress:

One hypothetical explanation for less heart attacks could also be caused by the well- published phenomenon of ‘preconditioning.’ This is an interesting concept from experimental animal research. We among many other groups have published studies demonstrating that some degree of stress makes the heart more tolerant towards subsequent stress. If a coronary artery in an experimental animal model is artificially occluded (for example by putting a surture around an artery in a pig model), then 70-80% of the heart tissue is going to die as a result of lack of oxygen within one hour. If we, however, block that artery for only 10 minutes and then reperfuse the heart and then block that artery thereafter, then only 20% of the heart tissue dies. This is called ‘ischemic preconditioning.’ The temporary lack of oxygen (which is stress for the heart but not enough to cause permanent damage) then renders the heart more tolerant towards subsequent lack of oxygen, and thus, protects the heart. In medicine, however, we cannot stress the heart with lack of oxygen BEFORE a patient has a heart attack. It has been shown that the stress of major disasters–for example the Northridge earthquake in 1994 or the Los Angeles riots–have resulted in more people dying of heart attacks acutely during the disaster but significantly less people died in the weeks thereafter. It has been proposed that the acute stress eliminates the weak patients but also renders the less weak ones more tolerant towards dying from a heart attack. This stress might therefore have some preconditioning protection which represents a ‘survival of the fittest’ in a social Darwinistic sense. Just food for thought.”

WEBSITE:

https://www.drvonschwarz.com/

For press inquiries regarding DR. ERNST VON SCHWARZ, contact:

SRO PR

Marcee Rondan // marcee@sropr.com

Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com

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