Letter by Pilz et al Regarding Article, “Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak on ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care in Hong Kong, China”
Stefan Pilz, Verena Theiler‐Schwetz, Christian Trummer
Abstract
Tam et al 1 reported that following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Hong Kong, time from symptom onset to first medical contact has been significantly delayed in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients. 2These data are of concern, and we observe in many countries a lockdown of medical services such as elective surgeries or less urgent routine visits in preparation of an expected high demand of hospital services due to the COVID-19 epidemic.This situation is a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, and we have to be well prepared, as discussed in the editorial by Ardati and Mena Lora. 2 While the eyes of the world are now on epidemiological COVID-19 data, as well as progress regarding vaccination and specific treatments of this disease, we should be aware that this time offers also several opportunities for global health that require a balanced and evidence-based view of the whole picture. 3onsidering that in 2015, 6.4 million deaths worldwide were attributable to smoking, and bringing this into perspective with the current enormous efforts including restrictions to citizens in many countries to mitigate the COVID-19 epidemic, a call for effective actions to reduce smoking prevalence worldwide could be justified. 4Similar actions such as wide provision and mandatory influenza vaccination could also prevent premature deaths as the worldwide annual mortality burden of influenza is estimated to be a quarter to half a million. 5In addition, influenza vaccination may also have a beneficial effect for coronary artery disease patients. 2History will inform us on the global burden of disease due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when taking into account all of these highly appreciated efforts to control this infectious disease, we really hope for proportional actions in the future regarding other issues such as smoking prevention, influenza vaccination, or blood pressure control. 2,5We are well aware that our focus is now mainly on COVID-19, but when undertaking such significant public health actions to fight COVID-19, though, wouldn't it be equally appropriate, well feasible, and probably more efficient in terms of saved life-years to reduce smoking prevalence, optimize influenza vaccination, and improve blood pressure control in the long run?These days present a window of opportunity to reconsider and implement further public health actions-a window that may likely rapidly close after this COV-ID-19 pandemic.