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Follow up in a developing country of patients with complete atrio-ventricular block

J C Tantchou Tchoumi1, S Foresti, P Lupo

  • 1Cardiac Centre, St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital, Kumbo, Cameroon. tantchouj@yahoo.fr

Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|November 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Complete atrio-ventricular block incidence and survival rates were assessed in Cameroon. Pacemaker implantation significantly improved survival, highlighting infrastructure and financial limitations in developing countries.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Complete atrio-ventricular block (CAVB) presents diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • Understanding CAVB incidence and survival is crucial for improving patient outcomes in developing nations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and survival rates of patients diagnosed with complete atrio-ventricular block.
  • To evaluate the impact of pacemaker implantation on survival in CAVB patients at a cardiac center in Cameroon.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 26 patients diagnosed with CAVB between 2009 and 2011.
  • Diagnosis confirmed by echocardiographic or electrocardiographic evidence of atrioventricular dissociation.
  • Data collected from hospital charts, ECGs, echocardiography, and chest radiography.

Main Results:

  • Common symptoms included fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness, with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years.
  • Wide QRS complexes were observed in 64.8% of patients.
  • Mortality rate was 45% in non-implanted patients versus 0% in those with pacemakers.

Conclusions:

  • Lack of infrastructure, early detection, and financial constraints impede CAVB patient follow-up in developing countries.
  • Natural selection impacts CAVB patient outcomes in these settings.
  • Reorganization of public health systems, cardiovascular disease prevention programs, and government subsidies are essential.
Abstract

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