Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in monitoring health and cardiovascular diseases: survey study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the implications of COVID-19 in the monitoring of health and cardiovascular diseases in health services. Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-type study with 798 adults, selected by snowball on social networks, between June and July 2020. Data were collected in an electronic form validated for this study. Results: There was a negative impact on monitoring health and cardiovascular diseases with missed appointments and elective exams. Symptoms such as chest pain and hypertensive crisis were neglected due to fear of contagion, lack of knowledge or structural lack of services, in addition to impaired monitoring of chronic conditions. Conclusion: The severity of results is noted considering the COVID-19 progression and the risk of complications. It is necessary to organize flows and structures compatible with each care profile, in health services, to guarantee care and promote diagnosis and control of chronic conditions in the set of actions to contain pandemics. It is crucial to prioritize primary care in health follow-ups during pandemic periods, as this has a direct impact on the progression of critical conditions at other levels of care.