COVID-19: An Argentinian perspective.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Argentina reported COVID-19 mortality below 2% and critical care bed occupancy at 63% by July 2020.
• Effective coordination between the Argentine Ministry of Health and provincial authorities contributed to these public health achievements.
• Analysis of cardiovascular care for patients over 65 during the pandemic (2020) compared to pre-pandemic (2019) identified previously unevaluated issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cardiovascular care trends in patients over 65 years of age in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify previously unevaluated issues in cardiovascular care for this demographic.
• To propose future solutions based on scientific analysis.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of cardiovascular care data for patients aged 65+ during two half-yearly periods: 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic).
• Evaluation of procedural choices, specifically the ratio of stent procedures to coronary surgeries and off-pump to minimally invasive surgeries.

Main Results:

• The ratio of patients receiving stents versus coronary surgery was 6:1.
• The ratio of patients undergoing off-pump surgery compared to minimally invasive surgery was 69:1.
• The study identified previously unevaluated issues in cardiovascular care for patients over 65.

Conclusions:

• Argentina's cardiovascular care services, including cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology, are well-equipped with qualified professionals and national infrastructure.
• The country is positioned to address future healthcare challenges in the post-pandemic era.
• The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of cardiovascular care strategies for older adults based on scientific data.