Incidence and course of acute coronary syndrome cases after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The collateral damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected cardiovascular disease patients, mainly acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases. Additionally, lockdown caused treatment-related concerns and reluctance to seek medical help, factors that can delay treatment. Aim: We aimed to analyze the incidence and course of ACS after the first COVID-19 wave. Methods:The report is based on a multi-institutional registry of 10 interventional cardiology departments. ACS patient data were gathered from June to October 2020, i.e. in the period following the first lockdown in Poland (March 30-May 31, 2020) and compared with the corresponding 2019 timeframe. Results: Patients (2801 and 2620) hospitalized for ACS in 2019 and 2020 (June-October) represented 52.8% and 57.9% of coronary artery disease admissions, respectively. In 2020 vs. 2019, more cases of arterial hypertension (80.2% vs. 71.5%; P <0.001), diabetes (32.7% vs. 28.2%; P <0.001) hyperlipidemia (53.2% vs. 49.8%; P = 0.01), and smoking history (29.5% vs. 25.8%; P = 0.003) were detected. Median troponin and cholesterol values, as well as glycemia, were higher in 2020. Patients were more likely to undergo percutaneous treatment (91.2% vs. 87.5%; P <0.001) and were less often referred for surgery (3.7% vs. 4.9%; P = 0.03). No differences in deaths from repeat myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or composite endpoint (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE]) were noted. However, suffering from ACS in 2020 (June-October) was a risk factor for mortality based on multivariable analysis. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic affected ACS patient profile, course of treatment, and increased risk for mortality.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on cardiovascular disease patients, particularly those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Lockdown measures have led to treatment-related concerns and reluctance to seek medical help, resulting in delayed treatment. Analysis of ACS incidence and course after the first wave of COVID-19 showed an increase in cardiovascular risk factors among patients, as well as changes in treatment modalities and an increased risk of mortality.