Temporal Dynamics of Acute Coronary Syndromes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis Across Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Phases

Authors : Abdulkadir Çakmak, Ömer Kertmen

Pages : 45-51

Doi:10.53446/actamednicomedia.1602347

View : 31 | Download : 32

Publication Date : 2025-02-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disrupted global healthcare systems and significantly influenced cardiovascular health. This study examines the temporal trends of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina pectoris (USAP), across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a single tertiary cardiovascular center involving patients diagnosed with ACS from January 2018 to June 2024. Patients were stratified into three cohorts: pre-pandemic (January 2018-February 2020), pandemic (March 2020-April 2022), and post-pandemic (May 2022-June 2024). Results: The incidence of STEMI and NSTEMI significantly increased in the post-pandemic period compared to those in the other periods (p<0.001). The number of USAP cases was significantly lower during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods (p<0.01). Temporal analyses revealed a positive correlation between time and STEMI/NSTEMI cases (p<0.0001). However, USAP incidence showed no significant correlation with time. These trends suggest that delayed healthcare access and pandemic-related inflammatory and thrombotic mechanisms are key drivers of increased myocardial infarction cases. Conclusion: The findings underscore the enduring impact of the pandemic on ACS presentations, highlighting the need for adaptive healthcare systems. Strategies incorporating anti-inflammatory approaches and resilient healthcare frameworks are essential for mitigating the long-term cardiovascular consequences of future crises. Further multicenter studies are recommended to validate these findings and to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Keywords : Akut koroner sendromlar, COVID-19, NSTEMI, STEMI, UAP