Summary of Two Years of Life – The Hidden Cost of COVID for Heart Attack Patients:
A study published in the European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes reports that heart attack patients in the UK and Spain who suffered heart attacks during the first COVID-19 lockdown are predicted to have a reduced life expectancy of 1.5 and 2 years, respectively, in comparison to those who had heart attacks before the pandemic. Additionally, the financial implications are projected to be £36.6 million (€41.3 million) and €88.6 million due to productivity loss from work absences. The study emphasizes the importance of retaining emergency services even during natural or health catastrophes. During the first wave of the pandemic, approximately 40% fewer heart attack patients went to the hospital as governments told people to stay at home, some emergency care was stopped, and people were afraid of catching the virus.
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Heart Attack Patients During COVID-19 Lockdowns Expected to Live Shorter Lives, According to Study
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes shows that individuals who suffered heart attacks during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK and Spain are expected to have a reduced life expectancy by 1.5 and 2 years, respectively, compared to their pre-COVID equivalents. In addition to the health implications, the study projected financial costs due to productivity loss in the UK and Spain at £36.6 million and €88.6 million, respectively.
Impact of Lockdowns on Heart Attack Patients
During the first wave of the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in heart attack patients seeking urgent treatment. This was due to several factors, such as government advice to stay home, fear of catching the virus, and the halting of some routine emergency care. The study estimated the long-term consequences of this reduced access to treatment for heart attack patients during the pandemic in the UK and Spain, focusing on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), where an artery supplying the heart with blood is completely blocked.
Long-term Implications for Patients and Society
The study compared the predicted life expectancy of patients who had a heart attack during the first lockdown with those who had a heart attack during the same period the previous year. The analysis projected that patients with a STEMI during the first UK lockdown would lose an average of 1.55 years of life compared to patients presenting with a STEMI before the pandemic. Similarly, in Spain, the estimated loss of life expectancy was 2.03 years. Furthermore, the study projected the loss of years in perfect health and costs related to STEMI, including initial and follow-up hospitalization costs, heart failure management, and productivity loss in patients unable to return to work.
The Need for Resilient Healthcare Systems
The study’s authors warned of the immediate and long-term negative consequences to individuals and society due to restrictions on treating life-threatening conditions. They urged the need for backup plans to ensure emergency services can continue during health catastrophes like the pandemic. The researchers recommended that resilient healthcare systems be established with a list of lifesaving therapies that should always be delivered. They also emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to help individuals understand the benefits of timely care, even during a pandemic.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant repercussions of delayed or missed care for heart attack patients during the pandemic. Patients and societies will pay the price of reduced heart attack treatment during just one month of lockdown for years to come. The authors recommend establishing resilient healthcare systems that can quickly switch to emergency plans. To avoid future life expectancy losses, patients must have timely access to lifesaving treatment, even during a pandemic or other crisis.
