Impact of the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic on Acute Cardiovascular Emergencies in a Third Level Cardiology

Jorge Gaspar-Hernández1, Diego Araiza-Garaygordobil1, Rodrigo Gopar-Nieto1

  • 1Cardiovascular Critical Care Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico.

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare, causing patients to delay seeking medical help for serious conditions like cardiovascular diseases due to overwhelmed systems and social distancing measures.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences beyond direct mortality from SARS-CoV-2.
  • Healthcare systems globally experienced unprecedented strain during the pandemic.
  • Social containment measures, while necessary, altered patient behavior and access to care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient healthcare-seeking behaviors for non-COVID-19 conditions.
  • To investigate potential delays in medical care for cardiovascular diseases during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • This study analyzes healthcare utilization data and patient-reported outcomes.
  • Investigated changes in the threshold for seeking medical attention for cardiovascular conditions.

Main Results:

  • The pandemic significantly altered the threshold at which patients sought medical care.
  • Evidence suggests a potential underdiagnosis or delayed treatment of cardiovascular conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The pandemic's indirect effects on healthcare access and patient behavior warrant further investigation.
  • Mitigation strategies are needed to ensure continued access to care for critical conditions during public health crises.

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