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Heart Failure Management from African Perspective: A consensus statement on the urgent need for action
Raghu Cherukupalli1, Ashoke Matharu2, Constantine Akwanalo3
1Clinical Director & Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, India.
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|March 6, 2026
Summary
This consensus identifies strategies for diagnosing and managing heart failure in Africa, addressing resource limitations and improving patient outcomes. Key challenges include diagnostic tool access and affordable treatments for heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Global Health
Background:
- Heart failure presents unique diagnostic and management challenges in Africa.
- Limited resources impact the accessibility of standard diagnostic tools and treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify effective strategies for diagnosing, treating, and managing heart failure specifically within the African context.
- To develop consensus-based recommendations tailored to the region's diverse populations and healthcare systems.
Main Methods:
- A consensus-building approach involving a literature review and expert consultations.
- Convening a diverse panel of experts from various African countries.
- Focusing discussions on challenges related to resource-limited heart failure diagnosis.
Main Results:
- A peer-reviewed manuscript was developed, ensuring scientific rigor and credibility.
- The approach balances evidence-based practice with contextually adapted solutions.
- The goal is to enhance heart failure outcomes across Africa's diverse populations.
Conclusions:
- Echocardiography is frequently used for heart failure diagnosis due to limited B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing availability.
- Affordability and access to Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) are significant barriers.
- Managing co-morbidities adds complexity to heart failure patient care in Africa.
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