Myocardial Infarction in the Context of COVID-19


DOI: 10.2478/jim-2023-0012

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 was a modern-world challenge for medical professionals. The SARS-Cov-2 virus targeted the respiratory and, later, the cardiovascular system. We aimed to identify the risk factors and particularities of acute myocardial infarction associated with SARS-Cov-2 infection. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 92 patients admitted to the Cardiology Department of Mureș County Emergency Hospital with myocardial infarction, divided into two groups: 46 patients with COVID-19 and 46 patients without COVID-19. Demographic data, risk factors, non-communicable diseases, and laboratory findings were studied and compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65 years, and the majority were male. The identified risk factors were hypertension, body mass index >25 kg/m2, and dyslipidemia. The risk factors for poor prognosis were leukocyte count, higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, higher monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and higher high sensitivity troponin I levels. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: COVID-19 is an aggravating factor of acute myocardial infarction. This research highlights the importance of prevention against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.