The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delayed care of cardiovascular diseases in Europe: a systematic review
Authors' conclusion
The pandemic led to reduced acute CVD hospital admissions and increased mortality rates. Delays in seeking medical help were observed, while urgent and elective cardiac procedures decreased.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Europe132 studies
- Comparison
- COVID-19 pandemic period vs pre-pandemic
- Outcome
- Changes in hospital admissions, mortality rates, delays in seeking help after symptom onset, delays in treatment initiation, and change in number of treatment procedures
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Significant decreases in hospital admissions for ischaemic heart diseases (IHD), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), heart failures (HF) and urgent and elective cardiac procedures
- Significant increases in hospital admissions for cardiac arrests (CA)
- Higher mortality rates for IHD and CVA
- All studies observational retrospective
Original publication
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delayed care of cardiovascular diseases in Europe: a systematic review. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. Published 4 September 2023. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it