Comparison of Acute Coronary Syndromes in the Earthquake Zone before and in the First Month after the Earthquake: A Single-center and Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE
Earthquakes can significantly impact both the occurrence and the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This study aimed to investigate the effects of an earthquake on patients with ACS by comparing their clinical and angiographic features before and after the event.


METHODS
We utilized a retrospective observational cohort design, involving 260 ACS patients who underwent coronary angiography. Data on patient characteristics, clinical variables, and procedural details were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the ACS groups pre- and post-earthquake and to assess outcomes, which included in-hospital mortality and complications.


RESULTS
After the earthquake, the ACS patients were older and predominantly male. The distribution of ACS subtypes remained similar between the groups. The use of anticoagulation before the procedure decreased after the earthquake, while the usage of other medications remained stable. The incidence of non-critical coronary arteries decreased post-earthquake, and there was a higher frequency of non-intervention in this group. Intervention in the left anterior descending coronary artery was more common after the earthquake. In-hospital mortality was associated with post-earthquake ACS, certain ACS subtypes, shock at admission, bifurcation stenting, and the no-reflow phenomenon. Complete revascularization was found to reduce mortality. The duration of intensive care unit stays was longer before the earthquake, while in-hospital mortality was higher after the earthquake. Gender differences were observed in coronary ectasia, with females being more affected post-earthquake.


CONCLUSION
Earthquakes significantly influence the clinical and angiographic features of ACS cases, thereby affecting mortality rates and revascularization outcomes.