VARIATIONS IN THE INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY OF CORONARY ANGIOPLASTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and mortality of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty in the state of Paraná. Data from DATASUS were analyzed in a time-series epidemiological study divided into pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. An initial reduction in hospitalizations was observed during the pandemic, followed by subsequent recovery. Mortality, in turn, showed a significant increase during the pandemic period, peaking at 4.09 deaths during the health crisis. Factors such as fear of contagion, healthcare system overload, and delays in medical care likely contributed indirectly to reduced hospitalizations and increased mortality. Despite this, no statistically significant direct correlation was identified between COVID-19 cases and angioplasty mortality rates. The study concludes that the pandemic indirectly influenced clinical outcomes, mainly through structural and social factors. These findings highlight the need for strategies to mitigate the impacts of health crises on chronic noncommunicable diseases and improve healthcare management in future scenarios.