When British politics strikes at the heart

If asked to list dangerous jobs, it’s unlikely that writing a political column for a newspaper would feature. But Rafael Behr’s sensitive, well-written piece about his heart attack calls for a reappraisal (I thrived on the tension and drama of British politics. Then I had a heart attack, 16 January).

Since the EU referendum was announced more than five years ago, the temperature of political debate has risen, the volume increased to ear splitting levels, and civility seems to have been dispensed with. Behr’s account of the pressures that contributed to his hospitalisation, and the benefit derived by disengaging from it all, will have rung bells with many readers, and explains why his byline was missing last year. It’s been good to see him back in the “pink pages”.
Les Bright
Exeter

• Rafael Behr’s dramatic description is a powerful reminder that heart disease can strike at any time. It is worth noting that timely treatment is effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and, even during a pandemic, anyone feeling chest tightness should contact their doctor for an assessment. This is particularly important when there is heart disease in the family.
Dr Eric Watts
Brentwood, Essex