ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the COVID-19 Era: Appraisal of the Evidence

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a public health challenge and has had a significant impact on the presentation, time-dependent management, and clinical outcomes of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with COVID-19 and pre-disposing cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing STEMI, and global trends have highlighted delayed management of STEMI, which may contribute to worse clinical outcomes. Prolonged time to intervention has also resulted in an increased rate of no reflow, which is an independent risk factor for worse outcomes in these patients. Timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains standard of care for STEMI and can be attained within the recommended 90 minutes timeline from hospital presentation. A coordinated, safe, standardized, algorithmic approach among emergency medical services, emergency departments, and cardiac catheterization laboratory is needed to ensure optimal patient outcome during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of this case report is to highlight the challenges of PCI for ST elevation myocardial infarction in the COVID-19 era.

Risk Factors Leading to ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Young Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan

“…Also proven from previous study showing that STEMI is associated with HTN, Family history and obesity in young adults specially in males it is found to be prevalent. 11,12,13 American heart association also showed that young adults having Higher blood pressure were more prone to develop Myocardial infarction with higher ST segment elevation. STEMI also found to be associated with obesity and male gender and younger individuals al these results are in accordance with results of this study.…”