Knowledge and perception of coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty by physicians involved in the management of cardiovascular emergencies in Togo

Abstract

Objectives: Interventional cardiology is emerging in Togo. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding coronary angiography and angioplasty of physicians involved in the management of cardiovascular emergencies in Togo. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted for three months from January 15 to June 30, 2022 and that focused on doctors involved in the management of cardiovascular emergencies in Togo, who volunteered to participate in the study. Results: We interviewed 150 doctors with an average age of 32.8 5.6 years. Eight (10.7%) physicians reported having no knowledge of coronary angiography. All physicians recognized acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with persistent ST-segment elevation, the positive myocardial ischemia test as an indication of coronary angiography. Indications of coronary angiography, such as ventricular rhythm disorders, unexplained heart failure and stable angina were not well understood by 20 (13.3%), 19 (12.7%) and 9 (6.0%) respectively. All doctors knew that angioplasty could be accompanied by complications, but 48% were unaware of the skin complications of irradiation. The availability of coronary angiography and angioplasty in cardiac practice in Togo was ignored by 23 physicians or 15.3%. Coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty were perceived as very expensive by 70.7% of physicians. The cost of these procedures was a barrier to their prescription among 78 doctors (52. %). Conclusion: Coronary interventional cardiology is performed routinely in Togo. Physicians involved in the management of cardiovascular emergencies have a level of knowledge and attitudes that need to be improved.