Latest Evidence on Non-Communicable Disease Management (NCD) during COVID-19 Pandemic

The year 2020 has been dominated by a communicable disease which most did not see coming and are ill- prepared to handle. While daily headlines the world over new cases death from COVID-19, other major health issues must take back seat. As of 30thNovember this year, 357 people have died COVID-19 in Malaysia,while close 15,000 Malaysians Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) alone. With IHD cerebrovascular accident (CVA) being number 1 3 causes (15% 8% all death, respectively) our focus on distract us ‘elephant room’. Evidence UK showed that while hospitalization due acute myocardial infarction (AMI) significantly decreased 50%, out hospital cardiac arrest increased 56%; mortality AMI at least 35% during pandemic. Patients shying away for scheduled follow ups, there reduction guideline recommended care NCD. This is confounded early scare suggested treatment risk factors NCDs, especially hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, may increase susceptibility worsen prognosis patients with COVID-19. Since entity, latest evidence generated mainly observational studies few clinical trials exception vaccine trials. What do we know about management NCD COVID-era?Since discovery SARS-COV-2 virus attached itself ACE2 receptors before entering cells, alarm bells were sounded treated RAAS inhibitors be susceptible worse prognosis. Withup 60% hypertensiveworldwide taking class drugs, concern understandable. Reassuringly, 6 4 countries RCT 5th country true. Studies China Italy those better triggered an hypothesized pre-treatment angiotensin receptor blockers beneficial preventing pulmonary damage these patients. Another looking recombinant human as In diabetic patients, study New York statin reduced compared non-user large based primary setting was no among prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors. proven improve outcome including diabetics could safely used treat Based nationwide retrospective cohort UK, overall higher admitted ICU or HDU greatest impact younger patients.The next months will more prospective intervention publishedaddressing various unanswered questions. It worth remembering substandard responsible upto 84% CV death. Hence, shouldnot let guards down NCDs even when world’s attention focused COVID-19.International Journal Human Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2021 Page: S10