Low and Delayed Patient Arrival Rates during COVID-19 Pandemic in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Study from Tertiary Cardiac Center.

Background: The footfall and admission rates post-COVID-19 scenario have come down in the case of patients with cardiac problems with larger delays leading to complications as per several studies. Studies have primarily focused on the disruptions due to lockdown but not much study has been done to understand how it has affected the lifestyle of the patients and changed the mentality leading to lower patient arrivals.

Objectives: The current study deals with understanding how the patient arrival pattern has changed and what are the factors affecting the same during COVID-19 times.

Materials and methods: Analysis of the data for patients with acute coronary syndrome from April to June for pre (2019)- and post (2020)-COVID-19 times admitted to a government cardiology and cardiac care hospital is studied for patient-based and accessibility-based parameters.

Results: A significant reduction in admissions (4230-880) with higher arrival times from the onset of symptom (80% rise) although the overall mean distance traveled reduced (63.8-47.4 km) leading to greater health risks. Furthermore, problems due to physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, and drinking have also risen by about 3%-5% in each case.

Conclusion: The need for better health-care system connectivity and the need for online platforms-based consultation systems, especially in times of such a pandemic have been highlighted. The results from this study will be helpful in addressing the issues related to delayed care for heart patients, thereby helping in reducing the mortality rate and improving overall health.