In the realm of cardiovascular health, time is often critical, particularly in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a serious form of heart disease. While percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered a gold standard, thrombolytic therapy can be used when PCI is not initially feasible. The COVID-19 pandemic and evolving healthcare trends have likely impacted the use of thrombolysis in STEMI care.
A project led by Dr. Erin Weeda, an Associate Professor at the USC School of Medicine Greenville, and funded by an ASPIREing grant, aims to quantify recent changes in thrombolysis use and evaluate patient outcomes associated with these changes in a nationally representative sample of STEMI cases in the United States.
The objectives of the project are twofold. First, it aims to compare the use of thrombolysis in treating STEMI cases in rural and urban settings. This differentiation is crucial, as rural populations often encounter unique challenges accessing timely healthcare interventions. Recognizing and addressing these differences aims to reduce the disparity in cardiovascular outcomes between urban and rural patients.
The study also delves into the unique impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of thrombolysis. As the healthcare system swiftly adapted to the pandemic, treatment strategies evolved and created a unique opportunity to reevaluate outcomes with thrombolytic use in the setting of STEMI. This will help clinicians make more informed decisions tailored to individual patient needs by understanding the effectiveness of these treatments.
The project's significance extends well beyond the academic realm. Underserved rural communities, often bearing the brunt of cardiovascular diseases, could see improvements in care as a result of this research. By identifying disparities in treatment strategies and outcomes, the project could pave the way for targeted interventions to enhance care for rural patients. Moreover, the project fills a crucial gap in current knowledge by providing updated data on thrombolysis use, ultimately optimizing STEMI care.
"Our mission is to enhance patient outcomes in STEMI by delving deeper into the effects of the current use of thrombolysis and identifying barriers to timely STEMI care, thereby paving the way for improved treatment pathways." - Dr. Weeda
Through this research, this initiative pledges to shed light on new paths toward improved cardiovascular health for all.