Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admission rates for arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease: a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Speculation arose during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic regarding a potential persistent increase in cardiovascular risk.
• This study investigates changes in hospital admission rates for hypertension and coronary artery disease before and after the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pre-pandemic and post-pandemic hospital admission rates for key cardiovascular conditions.
• To assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on cardiovascular disease incidence and management.

Main Methods:

• A systematic, multicentric retrospective cohort analysis was conducted.
• Data from 57,795 hospital admissions in Germany (01-06/2019 vs. 01-06/2023) for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and related symptoms were analyzed.
• Comorbidities and coronary interventions were also monitored.

Main Results:

• No significant increase in hospitalizations for arterial hypertension or myocardial infarction was observed post-pandemic.
• A notable increase in admissions for chest pain (chronic coronary syndrome and unstable angina pectoris) was recorded.
• While coronary angiographies increased, percutaneous interventions decreased, and post-pandemic patients had fewer comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• The study found no evidence of increased hospitalizations for arterial hypertension or coronary artery disease following the pandemic.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings on cardiovascular risk and disease trends.