Cardiovascular changes in sickle cell anaemia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is Nigeria's most prevalent inherited hemoglobinopathy, causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially in children.
• Cardiac manifestations are a key feature of SCA, but data on cardiovascular involvement in Nigeria and Africa is limited.
• The growing prevalence of SCA necessitates increased awareness of its associated cardiac complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical features, cardiac structure and function changes (at rest and during exercise), pathology, and associated heart diseases in SCA.
• To highlight recent global advancements in understanding cardiovascular changes in SCA.
• To emphasize data from Nigerian studies on cardiovascular involvement in SCA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on clinical features, cardiac structure and function, pathology, and associated heart diseases in SCA.
• Emphasis on data derived from Nigerian studies.
• Inclusion of recent global progress in understanding cardiovascular changes in SCA.

Main Results:

• SCA presents with significant cardiac manifestations, including changes in cardiac structure and function.
• There is a paucity of specific data on cardiovascular involvement in SCA within Nigeria and the broader African context.
• Global research is advancing the understanding of cardiovascular changes in SCA.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac involvement is a critical aspect of sickle cell anaemia, demanding greater clinical attention in Nigeria.
• Further research, particularly utilizing Nigerian data, is crucial to fully understand and manage cardiovascular complications of SCA.
• Increased awareness among healthcare providers and the public regarding cardiac issues in SCA is essential.