COVID-19: Prevalence of Vascular Events in Pre and Post COVID Era in Brain and Heart-A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Center

COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on global healthcare systems, affecting patterns of disease presentation and management. The consequences for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health are among the important issues, as new research suggests an association between COVID-19 infection and a higher risk of vascular events. COVID-19 has been shown to increase the risk of thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulability, and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, interruptions in routine healthcare access and delayed medical care during the pandemic may have confounded the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, potentially affecting outcomes. Understanding the comparative prevalence of vascular events in the pre and post-COVID eras is therefore crucial for elucidating these dynamics. Prior to the pandemic, epidemiological studies had already established cardiovascular disease and stroke as leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. However, the pandemic has introduced new challenges, potentially altering the landscape of vascular disease epidemiology. Examining trends in the incidence and characteristics of vascular events in a tertiary care setting can provide valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health outcomes, informing strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and management in both pandemic and post-pandemic phases. This retrospective study aims to analyze and compare the prevalence of vascular events in the brain and heart during the pre-COVID and post-COVID eras, contributing to the broader understanding of the pandemic’s influence on vascular health.