Lifting Coronavirus Disease-19 Shelter-in-Place Restrictions: Impact on Heart Failure Hospitalizations in Northeast Georgia

During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the heart failure (HF) community witnessed unprecedented decreases in HF-related patient visits and hospitalizations. Studies to date have focused on the impact of the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown of HF hospitalization trends across multiple countries.1, 2, 3, 4 It is likely that patients with HF, who are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, delay seeking care in large part owing to anxiety about contracting the virus. Nevertheless, the concerns may resolve over time with availability of treatment for COVID-19 and overwhelming HF symptom burden. Furthermore, the decision to seek acute HF care may be affected by the announcements of state governments relaxing shelter-in-place restrictions and allowing opening of businesses.