Demographic & Clinical Profile Of Patients Presented With Acute Myocardial Infarction During COVID 19 Pandemic - A Tertiary Care Centre Study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a profound impact on cardiovascular health, influencing both the presentation and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presenting to a tertiary care center during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare early and late presenters in terms of outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 885 patients diagnosed with STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic, clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and coronary angiographic data were collected. Patients were classified as early presenters (<12 hours) or late presenters (>12 hours) on the basis of the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival. Statistical analyses were performed via independent t tests and chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. This study aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: "Good Health and Well-Being". ResultsThe mean age was 58.45 {+/-} 10.61 years, with males comprising 76% of the cohort. Diabetes mellitus (75%) and hypertension (53%) were the most prevalent risk factors. Among the ECG findings, anterior wall MI (57%) was most common. Single-vessel disease was predominant among early presenters (67%), whereas double/triple-vessel disease was more common among late presenters (46%). In-hospital mortality was 4.18%, which was significantly higher in late presenters (6%) than in early presenters (3%). Non survivors were older (65.2 {+/-} 12.8 years) and had higher rates of hypertension and heart failure symptoms (p < 0.05). ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed hospital presentation among STEMI patients was associated with more extensive coronary disease, higher complication rates, and increased mortality. Early recognition and timely intervention remain crucial for improving outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients during healthcare crises.