Evaluation of Cardiology consultations during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we scientifically examined the consultations of the patients being hospitalized from the other departments to the cardiology department during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemia.
METHODS: Consultations to the cardiology department between 01 April-31 May 2020 and 01 April-31 May 2019 were discussed. Demographic characteristics and reasons of consultations were compared. A different approach was followed in COVID-19 patients diagnosed with compared to patients in other clinics.
RESULTS: The rate of consulted patients in 2019 year was 14.4% (866/5989). Its rate in 2020 year was found as 18.5% (462/2486) (p: <0.001). A statistically significant difference was obtained in both groups. The use of drugs prolonging the Qt, preoperative and increase in cardiac enzymes were found statistically significant in terms of the consultations (p: <0.001 - <0.001 - 0.003 - 0.016, respectively). Face to face interviews were made in 29% (33/114) of the patients who were consulted from COVÝD-19 clinics. In 71% (81/114) patients, electrocardiography (ECG)s were evaluated digitally.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this study, although there was a decrease in the number of hospitalized patients during the COVÝD-19 pandemia, we observed an increase in the number of patients being consulted to cardiology clinic. The relationship between COVÝD-19 disease and cardiovascular diseases and drugs being used in the treatment increased the workload of the cardiology clinic during the pandemic period.