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Macrovascular disease in diabetics in Central Africa

M Rolfe1

  • 1Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Ltd, Kitwe.

British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 28, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Large vessel disease is uncommon in African diabetics, despite high hypertension rates. This study found macrovascular disease prevalence comparable to low-prevalence regions like Japan and Hong Kong.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern.
  • Large vessel disease (LVD) is a major complication of diabetes.
  • Previous research (WHO Multinational Study) lacked African representation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of large vessel disease in African diabetic patients.
  • To compare findings with global data from the WHO Multinational Study.

Main Methods:

  • A standardized technique, based on the WHO Multinational Study, was used.
  • Six hundred African diabetic patients were examined.
  • Electrocardiograms were coded using the Minnesota coding system.

Main Results:

  • Only 49 out of 600 patients (8.17%) showed evidence of macrovascular disease.
  • Twelve patients had probable coronary artery disease.
  • Seven patients had experienced strokes, and 10 had peripheral vascular disease.

Conclusions:

  • Large vessel disease is uncommon in this cohort of African diabetics.
  • Despite a high prevalence of hypertension, LVD rates were low, similar to Japan and Hong Kong.
  • Further research is needed to understand LVD determinants in African populations.

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