[In-hospital results of the acute heart failure registry in mauritania]

Acute heart failure is a major public health issue worldwide. However, its characteristics in Mauritania remain unknown.

The aim of our study is to assess the characteristics of acute heart failure in Mauritania.

We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational, and descriptive study. We included patients hospitalized for acute heart failure at the National Cardiology Center between January 1, 2024, and May 31, 2024.

During the study period, 307 patients were hospitalized for acute heart failure. The mean age of patients was 59.8 ± 15 years, with men accounting for 64.8%. The main cardiovascular risk factor was hypertension (31.6%). NYHA stages 3 and 4 represented 12.7% and 73.6%, respectively. Atrial fibrillation was present in 23.1% of cases, and anemia was found in 51.8%. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 41.6%. Decompensated chronic heart failure was the most common presentation (37.8%), while heart failure with reduced ejection fraction accounted for 55.7%. Ischemic heart disease was present in 33.2% of cases. Quadruple therapy for heart failure was initiated in the majority of patients before hospital discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.5%.

Acute heart failure in Mauritania primarily affects middle-aged individuals. The care follows the guidelines in the National Cardiology Center. A significant effort must be made to extend this organization to the rest of the country.