Cardiology specialists have noted a worrisome trend in this COVID-19 pandemic. Treatments for myocardial infarction have dropped considerably since the pandemic arrived in Spain.
Although the reasons for this decline are not known, Spanish cardiologists believe that it is due to patients’ fear of going to the hospital, which they consider to be an active source of coronavirus infection. However, doctors stress that there are some disorders and pathologies that can wait until the situation subsides, but that this is not the case with angina pectoris or heart attacks. At the slightest symptom of a heart attack, the patient should go to a hospital, otherwise the consequences can be very serious.
Cardiac emergencies continue to be a priority, so the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology reminds us of the importance of seeking medical attention quickly, since time is a very important factor in saving a person’s life in these cases.
Objective data
Following a telematic survey of 71 cardiology services in the 17 autonomous communities, it has been found that there has been a 57% reduction compared to data from before confinement. In addition, coronary therapeutic procedures have also decreased by 48%, as well as 40% fewer angioplasties, for example. There has also been a significant increase in the use of thrombolysis, a treatment of infarction with intravenous drugs.
Risk of sudden death and other complications
If a heart attack is left untreated, the chances of sudden death increase, which triggers a cardiac arrest that, if not caught in time, leads to the patient’s death.
Cardiologists warn that some heart attacks may disappear temporarily, but the heart may be chronically affected. For this reason, in order to try to avoid all these complications, it is important that with or without coronavirus in our lives, we go to the hospital in case of any coronary symptom. The first step to take at the slightest sign is to call the emergency telephone number (112). However, taking into account the atypical situation we are currently experiencing, if they do not answer the phone, the best thing to do is to go to the hospital quickly anyway.
What are the symptoms of myocardial infarction?
The symptoms of myocardial infarction may vary from person to person. However, despite manifesting with a different combination and intensity, the most common are these:
- Pain in the sternum area characterized by being quite intense and sometimes extending into the jaw, neck, back and arms.
- Sensation of cold, sweating and dizziness.
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Nausea and urge to vomit.
- Loss of consciousness.
However, there are heart attacks that go unnoticed, since they are not at all easy to interpret. In this regard, the Spanish Society of Cardiology assures that, despite COVID-19, cardiology services are still prepared to attend patients with acute cardiovascular problems with the same professionalism as always.