ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES AND COVID-19

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1592712216115

• Palavras-chave: COVID-19; acute coronary syndrome

• Keywords: COVID-19; acute coronary syndrome

• Abstract:

  At the end of 2019, cases of a new acute viral respiratory disease, later recognized as COVID-19, were described. The pandemic has greatly affected healthcare services around the world and is in addition to existing challenges for emergency services such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Both conditions can coexist, initial presentations can overlap, and there is no such thing as a true and reliable point-of-care test. Pre-hospital diagnosis and timely treatment of acute coronary syndrome are necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. The use of risk stratification tools (such as GRACE scores) can assist in prioritizing cases to minimize their hospital stay. Critically ill patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, no catheter lab facilities in place or too unstable for transfer must be considered for thrombolysis and activation of services for facilitated PCI, if needed. Patients with cardiovascular disease are particularly vulnerable during this period, regardless of their infectious status. Adapting cardiac services to ensure continuity of care for these patients, even in the context of a new wave of COVID-19, is essential to minimize preventable cardiovascular death.