Cardiovascular Health Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The overall burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) tends to be underestimated. Model predictions, estimating CVDs are responsible for approximately 13% of all deaths and 38% of all non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths in sSA, are based on data mainly from urban areas and primarily hospital-based clinical data. Conservative estimates report NCD account for a total of 2.6 million deaths in sSA. Additionally, upstream determinants of poor health in general such as poverty and level of education extend beyond established and reliable data-capture systems. Majority of these present challenges require multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary strategies to effectively address. However, the limitations notwithstanding, available estimates show that countries in sSA are facing a double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The infectious disease burden in sSA has previously been high; however, populations in Africa are undergoing both an epidemiological and demographic transition with increased survival from childhood to adulthood. There has also been a rise in modifiable risk factors, such as dietary and sedentary lifestyle, accounting for an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. This shift and a rise in cardiovascular morbidity have placed substantial strain on healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa that require to be prioritized right from policy to practice. The recent COVID-19 pandemic with a disproportionately higher incidence of morbidity and mortality among patients with pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease has also highlighted challenges and potential areas of improvement in the delivery of cardiovascular healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa.