ObjectiveWe sought to determine the spectrum of heart diseases among adult patients at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in the North West Region of Cameroon. This is a chart review of echocardiographic records.ResultsIn total, 673 records were included in our study, of which 506 had a definite heart disease. Of the 506, 93 had mixed cardiopathies. Their ages ranged from 18 to 105 years with a median age of 64.0 (Interquartile range = 47–75) years. Females accounted for a greater proportion (55.3%) of the study population. The most common echocardiographic diagnoses were hypertensive heart disease (41.1%), valvular heart disease (22.3%) and cardiomyopathies (11.4%). The prevalence of heart failure was 17.5%, with hypertensive heart disease being the leading cause.
Background
Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of global mortality, and the second commonest cause in sub-Saharan Africa. They have been projected to drive mortality in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
Methods
This is a chart review of echocardiographic records of adult patients of the Imagery Centre of the Bamenda Regional Hospital in the North West Region of Cameroon. Data was collected for the period between July 2015 and April 2018, and included age, sex, comorbidities, ejection fraction and echocardiographic findings.
Results
In total, 673 records were included in our study, of which 506 had a definite heart disease. Amongst those with a definite heart disease, 93 had mixed cardiopathies. Their ages ranged from 18 – 105 years with a median age of 64.0 (Interquartile range [IQR] = 47 – 75) years. Females accounted for a greater proportion (55.3%) of the study population. The most common echocardiographic diagnoses were hypertensive heart disease (41.1%), valvular heart disease (22.3%) and cardiomyopathies (11.4%). The prevalence of heart failure was 17.5%, with hypertensive heart disease being the leading cause.
Conclusion
Hypertensive heart disease is the most common heart disease in this semi-urban setting in Cameroon. A significant proportion of the population has more than one heart disease (mixed cardiopathies).
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