Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Era of COVID-19: A Challenge in a Challenge
Annamaria Mazzone1, Sergio Berti1, Cristina Vassalle2
1Diagnostic and Interventional Department of Cardiology, Ospedale del Cuore, G. Monasterio Tuscany Foundation (FTGM), 56124 Massa, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|September 28, 2023
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic severely strained healthcare systems, particularly impacting acute care settings with unpredictable adverse effects. This highlights the need for robust strategies to manage public health crises in clinical environments.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems from its onset.
- Acute care clinical settings experienced significant and unpredictable adverse impacts due to the surge in patients and resource strain.
Discussion:
- The pandemic's effects on healthcare systems necessitate a re-evaluation of preparedness and response strategies.
- Understanding the specific impacts on acute care is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support.
Key Insights:
- COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure and operational capacities.
- The unpredictable nature of the pandemic's adverse effects requires adaptive management approaches.
Outlook:
- Future pandemic preparedness must prioritize strengthening acute care resilience and healthcare system adaptability.
- Continued research is essential to mitigate the long-term consequences of such health crises on clinical settings.
Abstract:
From the very beginning, the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has tested the healthcare systems, having unpredictable and extreme adverse impacts on acute care clinical settings [...].
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
30
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
30
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
11
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
11
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
7
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
7
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
9
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
9
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
20
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
20
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
9
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
9