To Örebro University

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study the effect of social containment mandates on ACS presentation during COVID-19 pandemic using location activity and mobility data from mobile phone map services.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) including all ACS presentations during the pandemic until May 07, 2020. Using a count regression model, we adjusted for day of the week, daily weather, and incidence of COVID-19.

RESULTS: A 10% increase in activity around areas of residence was associated with 38% lower rates of ACS hospitalisations whereas increased activity relating to retail and recreation, grocery stores and pharmacies, workplaces as well as mode of mobility was associated with 10-20% higher rates of ACS hospitalisations.

CONCLUSION: Government policy regarding social containment mandates has important public health implications for medical emergencies like ACS and may explain the decline in ACS presentations observed during COVID-19 pandemic.