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Strategies for heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa

A J Brink1, J Aalbers

  • 1Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, PO Box 1013, Durbanville, South Africa. cvjsa@cvjsa.co.za

Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|July 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa includes rheumatic, infectious, and genetic forms, with malnutrition and alcohol contributing. While currently less prevalent than infectious diseases, heart disease is projected to increase, necessitating strategic interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Heart disease presents diverse forms in sub-Saharan Africa, including chronic rheumatic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary heart disease, and infectious endocarditis.
  • Genetic factors, arrhythmias, malnutrition-related conditions like beriberi, and alcoholism also contribute to cardiac issues.
  • Ischaemic heart disease predominantly affects the Westernized population, while overall heart disease is currently less impactful than infectious diseases but expected to rise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the prevalent forms of heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • To highlight the contributing factors and current epidemiological status of heart disease in the region.
  • To emphasize the need for strategic planning and resource allocation for future cardiovascular health initiatives.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and epidemiological data on heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Analysis of common etiological factors, including infectious, genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle-related causes.
  • Assessment of the current and projected burden of heart disease relative to other health challenges.

Main Results:

  • Common heart diseases include chronic rheumatic, dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary, infectious (endocarditis), genetic, and arrhythmias.
  • Malnutrition (beriberi) and alcoholism are significant contributing factors.
  • Ischaemic heart disease is currently limited, but the overall burden of heart disease is anticipated to grow.

Conclusions:

  • A concerted effort by African cardiologists is crucial to manage the escalating threat of heart disease.
  • Strategic channeling of research, prevention, and treatment funds is essential, guided by demographic shifts.
  • The Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) has endorsed a declaration outlining these necessary strategies.

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