Current Trends in Cardiology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Opinion Article - Current Trends in Cardiology (2024) Volume 8, Issue 1

Admission rates of myocardial infarction patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Gianluca Pontone *

Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

*Corresponding Author:
Gianluca Pontone
Department of Nuclear Medicine
University Hospital, Zurich
Switzerland
E-mail: Pontone123@yaooh.com

Received:26-Dec-2023,Manuscript No. AACC-24-130251; Editor assigned:29-Dec-2023,PreQC No. AACC-24-130251(PQ); Reviewed:12-Jan-2024,QC No. AACC-24-130251; Revised:17-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. AACC-24-130251(R); Published:23-Jan-2024,DOI:10.35841/aacc-8.1.237

Citation:Pontone G. Admission rates of myocardial infarction patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Trend Cardiol. 2024;8(1):237.

Visit for more related articles at Current Trends in Cardiology

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic, which swept across the globe in early 2020, brought with it not only a health crisis but also profound consequences for healthcare systems worldwide. While the primary focus has understandably been on managing the pandemic, an unintended consequence has been the dramatic impact on non-COVID medical conditions, including myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attacks. This article delves into the admission rates of MI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on a hidden health crisis that has unfolded over the past couple of years.From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems and hospitals faced unprecedented challenges. A surge in COVID-19 cases placed immense pressure on resources, including hospital beds, intensive care units, and healthcare professionals. In response to these challenges, many healthcare facilities had to adapt their practices, leading to disruptions in routine medical care, including the management of cardiovascular conditions.[1,2].

The Decline in Hospital Admissions for MI: One of the most alarming trends to emerge during the pandemic was a substantial reduction in hospital admissions for MI patients. Multiple studies have reported a significant decline in MI cases being treated in hospitals, with some areas experiencing a drop of up to 40%. These figures are deeply concerning because they suggest that people experiencing heart attacks were avoiding seeking medical attention, likely due to fear of contracting COVID-19 or perceived strain on the healthcare system.Delaying or avoiding care for MI is a dangerous proposition. When someone experiences a heart attack, timely medical intervention is crucial to prevent heart muscle damage and improve the chances of a full recovery. Prolonged delays in seeking care can lead to more severe complications, including heart failure and even death [3,4].

Lockdowns and social distancing measures, while critical for curbing the spread of COVID-19, had unintended consequences for heart health. People were confined to their homes, leading to sedentary lifestyles, increased stress, and poor dietary habits. These factors, combined with the fear of hospitals, may have contributed to the rise in MI cases outside of healthcare settings.It's important to note that the decline in MI admissions was not uniform across all demographics. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions, were disproportionately affected.Elderly individuals, who are more likely to experience heart problems, faced a double jeopardy during the pandemic. Not only were they at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, but they were also more likely to avoid seeking medical care when experiencing symptoms of MI. The fear of hospitals and concerns about their susceptibility to the virus deterred many older adults from getting the timely care they needed.Existing health disparities were exacerbated during the pandemic. Communities of color and economically disadvantaged individuals faced higher barriers to accessing healthcare services, resulting in more pronounced declines in MI admissions within these populations. Structural inequalities in healthcare access and socioeconomic status played a significant role in shaping these outcomes.[5,6].

 

Addressing the decline in MI admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic requires a multi-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, public health campaigns, and policymakers. Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in case of heart attack symptoms is paramount. Public health campaigns should emphasize that hospitals have implemented rigorous safety measures to minimize COVID-19 transmission, and delaying care for MI is not an option.Healthcare providers can explore telemedicine and remote monitoring options to reach patients who are hesitant to visit healthcare facilities. Remote monitoring of high-risk individuals can help detect cardiac events early and initiate timely interventions.[7,8].

 

 

Policymakers must address healthcare disparities that were exacerbated during the pandemic. Investments in underserved communities, improved access to healthcare, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations are essential to ensure equitable care for all.Post-MI care is critical for recovery. Hospitals and healthcare systems should prioritize post-discharge rehabilitation and support services to ensure that MI survivors receive comprehensive care.[

 

References

  1. Bradman K, Maconochie I. Can paediatric early warning score be used as a triage tool in paediatric accident and emergency?.Eur J Emerg Med. 2008;15(6):359-60.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  2. Vadeboncoeur T, Stolz U, Panchal A, et al. Chest compression depth and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. 2014;85(2):182-8.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, CrossRef

  3. Kalaria RN, Maestre GE, Arizaga R, et al. Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in developing countries: prevalence, management, and risk factors.Lancet Neurol. 2008;7:812–826.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Van Harten B, de Leeuw FE, Weinstein HC, et al.Bariatric surgery as a treatment for metabolic syndrome.J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2017;47(4):364-8.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Benito B, Guasch E, Rivard L, et al Clinical and mechanistic issues in early repolarization.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56:1177–1786.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Rafieian-Kopaei M, Baradaran A Combination of metformin with other antioxidants may increase its renoprotective efficacy.J Renal Inj Prev. 2013;2:35-36.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Pearlman AS.Medical treatment of aortic stenosis: promising, or wishful thinking? J Am Coll Cardiol. 2002;40:1731–1734.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Karthikeyan G, Bhargava B. Prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty.Curr Opin Cardiol. 2004;19:500-509.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Aoki J, Serruys PW, van Beusekom H, et al. Endothelial Progenitor Cell Capture by Stents Coated With Antibody Against CD34: The HEALING-FIM (Healthy Endothelial Accelerated Lining Inhibits Neointimal Growth-First In Man) Registry. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1574-1579.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Weber C, Noels H. Atherosclerosis: Current pathogenesis and therapeutic options.Nat Med. 2011;17:1410–1422.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App