Cardiovascular disease and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: burden, risk and interventions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Global Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke and heart failure, are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Urbanization is accelerating the incidence of ischaemic heart disease and metabolic disorders in the region.
• Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical issue of high blood pressure (hypertension) as the primary risk factor for CVD in sub-Saharan Africa.
• To analyze the deficiencies in the prevention, detection, treatment, and control of hypertension in the region.
• To underscore the substantial economic consequences of suboptimal hypertension management.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of the current state of cardiovascular disease and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Analysis of factors contributing to the suboptimal management of hypertension.
• Assessment of the economic impact of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Main Results:

• High blood pressure is the most significant underlying risk factor for cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Prevention, detection, treatment, and control of hypertension are inadequate and inefficient.
• Key challenges include resource limitations, weak healthcare systems, lack of population-level prevention, unsustainable drug therapy, and poor patient compliance.

Conclusions:

• Urgent and comprehensive strategies are needed to improve hypertension control in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Addressing resource limitations and strengthening healthcare systems are crucial for effective CVD prevention and management.
• Suboptimal hypertension management leads to significant economic losses and increased demand on healthcare services.