Review of six year cardiovascular mortality at a tertiary hospital in south-east Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The profile and pattern of cardiovascular mortality continues to warrant ongoing research, in view of ongoing epidemiologic transition. However, the causes, gender distribution, annual incidence as well as the average age at death are important statistics in public health policy formulation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the causes of cardiovascular mortality In the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia with respect to causes, gender, age at death and duration of hospital stay.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed record of mortality seen between February 2002 – December 2008 at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahiausing the Deaths Register at our Records department.
Results: There were 665 cases of cardiovascular mortality, comprising 19.3% of the total number of mortalities. The cardiovascular cases were mainly cases of cerebrovascular accident (60.2%), cardiac failure (27.4%) and hypertensive emergencies (11.4%). Cardiovascular mortalities were more prevalent in males(57.1%). The mean age at death was highest for stroke, 65.0years, likewise the mean duration of hospitalization 6.2 days.

Conclusion: Public health attention should be sustained at reducing morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Six Year Cardiovascular Mortality, Tertiary hospital, South-east Nigeria