Delayed Presentation of Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated with Heart Failure in the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic - Case Report

Abstract

Background: Delayed provision of medical care to patients with acute chest pain who failed to seek medical attention on time due to fear from COVID-19 pandemic is a concern among health care professionals. Case summary: We report the case of a 47-year-old man with acute chest pain and dyspnea presenting with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patient did not seek medical attention on time due to fear from COVID-19 pandemic. Urgent echocardiography detected left ventricular function with ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35%. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with direct stenting to LAD as culprit lesion with additional stenting of right coronary artery (RCA) was performed. Patient was discharged clinically stable with heart failure. Discussion: COVID-19 outbreak is associated with significantly lower rate of hospital admissions of patients with STEMI. This worrisome fact might be accompanied by a substantial increase in early and late infarct-related morbidity and mortality. Health care providers and society together must appeal for increased awareness of seeking on-time medical care in case of acute chest pain.