Arrhythmia care in Africa

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited data exists on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and arrhythmias in Africa, despite a rising disease burden.
• Global trends show increasing atrial fibrillation (AF) rates, while rheumatic heart disease declines.
• AF is linked to increased mortality in Africa and is an independent risk factor for death in rheumatic heart disease patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing problem of arrhythmias in Africa.
• To underscore the unmet needs in arrhythmia diagnosis and management.
• To advocate for prioritizing cardiovascular disease in African healthcare strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing global and regional data on cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias.
• Analysis of current treatment modalities and accessibility in the African context.
• Assessment of the impact of inadequate infrastructure and public education on cardiac emergencies.

Main Results:

• Atrial fibrillation rates are rising, contributing to increased mortality.
• Sudden cardiac deaths from ventricular arrhythmias are under-recognized and undertreated.
• Access to advanced cardiac devices like pacemakers and defibrillators is extremely limited, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant unmet need for improved arrhythmia diagnosis and management in Africa.
• Current medical therapies are sub-optimal, and procedures like ablation are inaccessible.
• Cardiovascular disease must be recognized as a healthcare priority by governments and stakeholders due to escalating mortality.