The Pandemic of Coronary Artery Disease in the Sub-Saharan Africa: What Clinicians Need to Know

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally with an accelerated increase in CVD ‑related death in Africa and other low‑middle‑income countries. This review is aimed at highlighting the burden of coronary artery disease CAD, its peculiarities as well as challenges of management in sub-Saharan Africa.Recent FindingsRecent data revealed a shift from high incidence of CVDs associated with poverty and malnutrition (such as rheumatic heart disease) initially, which are now falling, to rising incidence of other non-communicable CVDs (such as hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure). Africa disproportionately bears the brunt of CVD burden and has one of the highest risks of dying from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, which is projected to supersede communicable diseases in the future. Previous studies have shown that CAD was rare among Africans. Those studies conducted in Africa in the 1940s –1960s reported that Black Africans were almost immune to developing CAD and were even thought to have specific genetic make-up protecting them from CAD. However, the continent is now experiencing a steady rise in the prevalence of CAD associated with severe disease burden, compared to other regio ns of the world. The changes seen have been attributed to the current epidemiological transition with increase in CVD risk factors that are poorly controlled, lack of awareness as well as the po...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research