Infarto agudo do miocárdio: realidade desvelada antes e depois da COVID-19.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when there is cardiac injury due to poor oxygen circulation, leading to tissue necrosis in the heart. This injury can be aggravated by a notable diagnosis of COVID-19, as the viral disease can trigger cardiac complications and exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions. Objectives: To analyze data before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in order to build a profile of AMI. Methodology: A quantitative and qualitative, documentary, cross-sectional, and descriptive research approach, aiming to analyze DATASUS data on acute myocardial infarction in the pre- and post-pandemic context, as well as reports of AMI cases in Brazil. Results: It was observed that, within the period studied, there was an annual average of 13,546 deaths per year, with the highest number recorded in 2022. Despite the increase in the number of cases related to the pandemic, the predominant profile remains male, elderly, white, and from the Southeast region. Conclusion: After the pandemic, there was a significant increase in both the number of deaths and hospitalizations due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This reality can be explained by several hypotheses, such as changes in lifestyle habits or the sequelae resulting from COVID-19 infection. In this context, continuous monitoring of AMI cases is essential, as the most effective prevention occurs at the primary level, through the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and the mitigation of modifiable risk factors.