Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Neuroimaging Field Methods Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy NIRS Neuroimaging to Study Global Child Development: Rural Sub-Saharan Africa
08:10

Neuroimaging Field Methods Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy NIRS Neuroimaging to Study Global Child Development: Rural Sub-Saharan Africa

Published on: February 2, 2018

15.6K

Heart Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa

Joseph Gallagher1, Kenneth McDonald2, Mark Ledwidge2

  • 1gHealth Research Group, University College Dublin, Ireland.

Cardiac Failure Review
|June 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Heart failure is a growing concern in sub-Saharan Africa due to rising cardiovascular disease risk factors and specific regional conditions. Improving access to diagnostics and essential medicines is crucial for effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Heart failure prevalence is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Rising cardiovascular disease risk factors contribute to this trend.
  • Specific conditions like rheumatic heart disease and endomyocardial fibrosis remain significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the growing burden of heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • To identify key challenges in diagnosing and treating heart failure in the region.
  • To propose potential strategies for improving heart failure care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current epidemiological trends in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Analysis of diagnostic and treatment access barriers.
  • Exploration of potential solutions including biomarkers and essential medicines.

Main Results:

  • Increased prevalence of heart failure risk factors and life expectancy.
  • Limited access to essential diagnostics like echocardiography due to cost and expertise.
  • Inadequate access to necessary medications for heart failure management.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent attention is needed to address the escalating heart failure crisis in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Biomarker strategies and improved access to diagnostics are potential avenues for advancement.
  • International collaboration is essential to ensure availability of life-saving heart failure medications.

Keywords:
AfricaHeart failureechocardiographyessential medicinesnatriuretic peptides

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach07:49

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach

Published on: July 21, 2023

2.0K
Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model07:35

Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model

Published on: May 15, 2011

13.4K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
978
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
3.9K
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
927
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
368
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
990
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
342