What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac catheterization activations in the U.S.

July 24, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology1,216 citationsOpen Access

Reduction in ST-Segment Elevation Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Activations in the United States During COVID-19 Pandemic

Q: What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Observational. Population: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Intervention: COVID-19 pandemic (After COVID-19 period) vs. Before COVID-19 period (January 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020). Primary outcome: STEMI activations per site per month (38% decrease, 95% CI 26% to 49%, p=<0.001).

SGSantiago GarcíaChrist Hospital MAMazen AlbaghdadiUniversity of Central Florida PMPerwaiz MerajBrigham and Women's Hospital

Key Result

During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. cardiac catheterization laboratory STEMI activations decreased by an estimated 38% compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Key Points

The aim is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac catheterization activations in the U.S.
Analyzed activation rates for cardiac catheterization during the pandemic
Included recommendations from the CDC on deferring elective procedures
Examined resource preservation measures in healthcare settings
Significant reduction in cardiac catheterization activations during the pandemic
Deferment of elective procedures linked to resource preservation
Altered patient care pathways due to the pandemic restrictions

Study Design

Type

Observational

Multicenter

Yes

PICO

Population

STEMI activations from 9 high-volume cardiac catheterization laboratories in the United States were analyzed to compare volumes before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exposure / Comparator

COVID-19 pandemic (After COVID-19 period) vs Before COVID-19 period (January 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020)

Primary Outcome

STEMI activations per site per month — 38% decrease (26% to 49%), p=<0.001

Main Result

Effect estimate: 38% decrease (95% CI 26% to 49%)

Absolute Event Rate: 15.3% vs 23.6%

p-value: p=<0.001

Limitations

Preliminary analysis restricted to the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Underlying causes for the decrease (e.g., avoidance of medical care, STEMI misdiagnosis, increased pharmacological reperfusion) could not be definitively determined

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the U.S. health care system. To preserve resources, including personal protective equipment and hospital beds to care for COVID-19 patients, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended deferral of elective cardiac procedures (11),

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Cite This Study

García et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). COVID-19 pandemic (After COVID-19 period) vs. Before COVID-19 period (January 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020) was evaluated on STEMI activations per site per month (38% decrease, 95% CI 26% to 49%, p=<0.001). During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. cardiac catheterization laboratory STEMI activations decreased by an estimated 38% compared to the pre-pandemic period.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a63a2f3c1251d7575466970 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.04.011