July 3, 2026European Heart Journal644 citationsOpen Access
View Full PaperDecline of acute coronary syndrome admissions in Austria since the outbreak of COVID-19: the pandemic response causes cardiac collateral damage
Key Result
The COVID-19 pandemic response in Austria was associated with a decline in acute coronary syndrome admissions, causing cardiac collateral damage.
Key Points
- To assess the impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome in Austria.
- Nationwide retrospective survey conducted from 2 to 29 March 2020.
- Focus on acute coronary syndrome admissions before and during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Notable decline in acute coronary syndrome admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic observed.
- Survey results indicate significant collateral damage to cardiac health due to pandemic response.
Structured PICO
Does the COVID-19 pandemic response impact the admission rates for acute coronary syndrome?
P
Population
Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Austria
I
Intervention
COVID-19 pandemic response
O
Outcome
Impact on the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), specifically admissions
The COVID-19 pandemic response caused a decline in acute coronary syndrome admissions in Austria, indicating cardiac collateral damage.
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Abstract
We conducted a nationwide retrospective survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and treatment of acute cornary syndrome (ACS) from 2 to 29 March in Austria.
Expert Takes10 quotes
1/10
“Daher ist der zuletzt in Österreich beobachtete Rückgang der Herzinfarktzahlen aus pathophysiologischer Sicht nicht erklärbar, vielmehr wäre sogar ein Anstieg zu erwarten.”
Bernhard Metzler, Cardiologist, Medical University of InnsbruckMedical University of Innsbruckauto_pipelineView source