Cardiovascular risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease is increasing dramatically in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite an increasing prevalence of risk factors, and some characteristics of the African people that make the African population subject to the effects of major cardiovascular risk factors. The pace and direction of economic development, rates of urbanization, the changes in life expectancy, associated with different pathophysiological factors are causing an increased rate of atherosclerotic disease in these countries. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease in SSA has shown a significant rise in the next two following decades due to the rising prevalence of risk factors, especially hypertension, diabetes, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use and the dyslipidemia, mainly due to an increase in urbanization. Moreover, thanks to new knowledge, it has been pointed out the difference of individual risk factors in the African population and other populations due to genetic differences. It is estimated that age-standardized approach for ischemic heart disease mortality rates will rise by 27% in African men and 25% in women by 2015 and by 70 and 74%, respectively by 2030. More research is needed in Africa to provide evidence for cardiovascular prevention and treatment to mitigate the oncoming epidemic. Health interventions are needed for preventing or reducing the morbidity/mortality and should be addressed to both children and adults, including score of the risk stratification modified, starting early and aggressive therapy, if necessary.

Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Associated Risk Factors in sub-Saharan Africa

“…Cardiac diseases have also been identified as a major non-communicable disease among children in SSA [ 13 ]. Several authors such as BeLue et al [ 9 ], Monti et al [ 14 ], Amegah [ 12 ], van der Sande [ 15 ], Yach et al [ 16 ], Tokoudagba et al [ 17 ], Nkoke and Luchuo [ 18 ], and Owusu and Acheamfour-Akowuah [ 19 ], among others, have attributed the increase in the burden of CVDs and related risk factors in the region to certain agents. These include the epidemiological transition brought about by increasing urbanization, changing lifestyle/dietary patterns, socioeconomic development, and modernization.…”

Association between measures of adiposity and blood pressure levels in adult Cameroonians

“…adiposity, blood pressure, Cameroon, hypertension, ROC curve 1 | INTRODUCTION Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). 1 The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension at about 40% in adults aged 25 years and older in some countries, compared to 35% to 40% elsewhere around the world. 1,2 In its 10-point action plan to reduce the burden of high blood pressure (BP) on the continent, the Pan African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) called on urgent investment in population-level interventions for preventing hypertension occurrence, such as reducing salt intake and obesity.…”

“…Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) 1 . The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension at about 40% in adults aged 25 years and older in some countries, compared to 35% to 40% elsewhere around the world 1,2 …”

Lifestyle, cardiovascular risk knowledge and patient counselling among selected sub-Saharan African family physicians and trainees

“…2 As of 2014, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in SSA had reached 10–20 and 14.7 million, respectively. 3 …”