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Cardiovascular causes of death in an east African country: an autopsy study
Julius A Ogeng'o1, Patrick Gatonga, Beda O Olabu
1Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases cause over 13% of deaths in Kenya, with myocardial infarction being most common. The study highlights the need for risk factor prevention and infection management in this predominantly male population under 50.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) spectrum varies globally, with limited data from East Africa.
- Understanding CVD mortality patterns in Kenya is crucial for effective disease management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the spectrum of cardiovascular causes of death in Kenya.
- To analyze the distribution of CVD mortality by disease type, age, and gender.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 134 autopsy cases of cardiovascular-related deaths.
- Data collected from December 2005 to November 2009 at the University of Nairobi.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS, with data presented in tables and bar graphs.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 13.2% of all autopsy cases.
- Leading causes included myocardial infarction (18.7%), cardiomyopathy (17.2%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (15.7%).
- The majority of affected individuals were male (2.7:1 ratio) and under 50 years old (56.7%).
Conclusions:
- CVD is a significant contributor to mortality in Kenya, exceeding 13%.
- Myocardial infarction is the most frequent cause, while rheumatic heart disease is the least common.
- Findings suggest a dual burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases contributing to CVD mortality, necessitating risk factor management and infection control.
Background:
The spectrum of cardiovascular diseases varies between countries. Data from east Africa is scarce, but important in formulating disease management strategies. The aim of this study was to describe the spectrum of cardiovascular causes of death in Kenya.
Methods:
One hundred and thirty four autopsy cases of cardiovascular related deaths examined at the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, from December 2005 to November 2009 were analyzed for disease type, age and gender distribution. Only cases in which cardiovascular disease was the most likely cause of death were included. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 for Windows and presented using tables and bar graphs.
Results:
Cardiovascular causes comprised 13.2% of all autopsy cases. Common conditions included myocardial infarction (18.7%), cardiomyopathy (17.2%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (15.7%), pulmonary thromboembolism (14.2%), ruptured aortic aneurysm (11.2%) and hypertensive heart disease (9.0%). Infective pericarditis and rheumatic heart disease comprised 7.5% and 6.7%, respectively. Mean age was 50.4 years, peaking at 40-60 years, with 56.7% aged 50 years and younger. Male: female ratio was 2.7:1.
Conclusions:
Cardiovascular disease contributes more than 13% of overall mortality in Kenya. Myocardial infarction is the commonest, while rheumatic heart disease is the rarest. It is predominantly male and mainly affects those aged under 50 years. This suggests that non-communicable diseases, while predominant, overlap with infectious conditions as causes of cardiovascular mortality. A search for, and the prevention of, risk factors, combined with prudent management of infection, are recommended.
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