Managing Patients with ST – Elevation Myocardial Infarction at the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background
Globally there have been reports of decreased STEMI volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result of strained acute care resources, the potential for rapid clinical decompensation, and concerns about staff safety, a conservative management approach for ACS patients has been recommended.

Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of STEMI at the epicenter of COVID-19 pandemic and compare outcomes of invasive versus conservative treatment strategies.

Methods
Patients presenting with STEMI to Elmhurst Hospital Center in Elmhurst, New York during the COVID-19 era from March 1–April 30, 2020 were evaluated. Only patients that tested positive for COVID-19 were included for analysis. Patients were managed with either primary percutaneous coronary intervention or medical management. Demographics and outcomes of patients treated invasively and conservatively were compared and of survivors and nonsurvivors during the study period.