Impact of concomitant COVID-19 on the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing coronary artery angiography

Background The impact of COVID-19 on the outcome of patients with MI has not been studied widely. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between concomitant COVID-19 and the clinical course of patients admitted due to acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods There was a comparison of retrospective data between patients with MI who were qualified for coronary angiography with concomitant COVID-19 and control group of patients treated for MI in the preceding year before the onset of the pandemic. In-hospital clinical data and the incidence of death from any cause on 30 days were obtained. Results Data of 39 MI patients with concomitant COVID-19 (COVID-19 MI) and 196 MI patients without COVID-19 in pre-pandemic era (non-COVID-19 MI) were assessed. Compared with non-COVID-19 MI, COVID-19 MI was in a more severe clinical state on admission (lower systolic blood pressure: 128.51 ± 19.76 vs. 141.11 ± 32.47 mmHg, p = 0.024), higher: respiratory rate [median (interquartile range), 16 (14–18) vs. 12 (12–14)/min, p < 0.001], GRACE score (178.50 ± 46.46 vs. 161.23 ± 49.74, p = 0.041), percentage of prolonged (>24 h) time since MI symptoms onset to coronary intervention (35.9 vs. 15.3%; p = 0.004), and cardiovascular drugs were prescribed less frequently (beta-blockers: 64.1 vs. 92.8%, p = 0.009), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers: 61.5 vs. 81.1%, p < 0.001, statins: 71.8 vs. 94.4%, p < 0.001). Concomitant COVID-19 was associated with seven-fold increased risk of 30-day mortality (HR 7.117; 95% CI: 2.79–18.14; p < 0.001). Conclusion Patients admitted due to MI with COVID-19 have an increased 30-day mortality. Efforts should be focused on infection prevention and implementation of optimal management to improve the outcomes in those patients.