Pattern of acute myocardial infarction in an African country
Julius A Ogeng'o1, Beda O Olabu, Dennis Ong'era
1Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. jogengo@uonbi.ac.ke
Insights
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is prevalent in Kenya, affecting younger individuals and leading to significant heart failure. Key risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, and infections, necessitating targeted control measures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Data on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patterns in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Kenya, are limited.
- Understanding AMI epidemiology is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of AMI patients in Kenya.
- To provide essential data for public health interventions and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 120 confirmed AMI cases at Kenyatta National Hospital (2000-2009).
- Data collected on diagnosis, age, gender, risk factors, and patient outcomes.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS, with results presented in tables and bar charts.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed 120 AMI cases (80 men, 40 women) with a mean age of 56.8 years (male:female ratio 2:1).
- Common risk factors identified were hypertension (35%), diabetes mellitus (20.8%), smoking (12.5%), and infection (12.5%).
- High morbidity observed, with 44.2% developing congestive cardiac failure; 50.8% recovered, and 5% died.
Conclusions:
- Acute myocardial infarction is a significant health concern in Kenya, impacting individuals over 50 and younger.
- High rates of morbidity, particularly congestive cardiac failure, underscore the severity of AMI.
- Combined non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes) and infections are key risk factors, requiring integrated control strategies.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to describe the pattern of acute myocardial infarction in an African country. These data are important for prevention strategies but are scarce from sub-Saharan African countries and altogether absent from Kenya.
Methods And Results:
This was a retrospective study done at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Cases of acute myocardial infarction admitted to the hospital between January 2000 and December 2009 were examined for mode of diagnosis, age, gender, risk factors, and outcome. Only those with confirmed diagnosis were included. Results were analysed by SPSS version 13.0 for Windows, and are presented in tables and bar charts. One hundred twenty cases (80 men; 40 women) were analysed. Clinical diagnosis had been confirmed by electrocardiography and cardiac enzymes (87.5%), angiography (8.3%) and echocardiography (4.2%). Mean age was 56.8 years and male:female ratio 2:1. Common risk factors were hypertension (35%), diabetes mellitus (20.8%), smoking and infection 12.5% each and alcohol (10.8%). The majority (50.8%) of the patients recovered, 44.2% developed congestive cardiac failure and only 5% died.
Conclusion:
Acute myocardial infarction is not uncommon in Kenya. Over 30% of the patients are 50 years and younger and it carries a high morbidity from heart failure. Risk factors comprise a combination of non-communicable diseases, namely hypertension and diabetes mellitus, coexisting with infections. Control measures targeting both categories are recommended.
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