Initial Single-Center ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Experience in New York Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: Following a period of stability, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic appears to be re-intensifying globally. As the pandemic continues to evolve, so does our understanding of its implications on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We sought to describe a single center STEMI experience at one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study which included consecutive suspected STEMI patients from March 1 through August 31, 2019, (Cohort 1) compared to the same time period in 2020 (Cohort 2), at a tertiary referral center in Nassau County, New York. Results: Cohort 2 (n=93) saw a similar number of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) team activations compared to cohort 1 (n=90) (Figure 1). Infection control measures and additional investigation were required to clarify the diagnosis in cohort 2, resulting in longer door-to-balloon times (95.9 minutes vs. 74.4 minutes, p=0.0587). We observed similar inpatient length of stay (LOS) (3.6 days vs. 5.0 days, p=0.0901) and mortality (13.2% vs. 9.2%, p=0.5876). Conclusions: Our single-center study, located at one of the epicenters of the pandemic, demonstrated a similar number of AMI team activations, mimicking the seasonal variability seen in 2019, but with longer door-to-balloon times. Despite this, inpatient LOS and mortality remained unchanged. [Formula presented]