Management of STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned in 2020 to prepare for 2021*, **

As the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 continues to increase, there is an increasing possibility that patients with COVID-19 may presen with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). With social distancing and restricted access to preventive healthcare and emergency services, the management of acute cardiac emergencies such as myocardial infarction has suffered collateral damage. Thus far, global trends suggest a decrease in STEMI activations with possible worse outcomes due to delayed presentation and management. In this review, we discuss the challenges to STEMI management in the COVID-19 era and provide potential solutions for adherence to evidence-based therapies as the pandemic progresses into the year 2021. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges in managing STEMI have emerged due to social distancing measures and restricted access to healthcare services, potentially leading to delayed treatment and worse outcomes for patients. Solutions for adhering to evidence-based therapies are discussed as the pandemic progresses into 2021.