A new study uncovers how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped emergency care for acute coronary syndrome, with a sharp decline in hospital visits nationwide. Analyzing over 61,000 cases, the research reveals that older adults, particularly women, were disproportionately affected, avoiding critical care during periods of high virus transmission. These findings shine a light on the unseen toll of public health crises, underscoring the urgent need to build trust and ensure access to life-saving care for vulnerable populations in future emergencies.