Challenges in early diagnosis of heart failure in Sub Saharan Africa – a review

Abstract

Heart Failure, a rising public health concern has become more prevalent in the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) in recent times. It is a major cause of high mortality and morbidity with frequent hospitalizations and high economic cost. Majority of heart failure cases in the SSA are due mainly to hypertensive disease, non–Ischemic causes (Cardiomyopathy), and rheumatic disease. However, the reverse is the case in high income countries where heart disease is linked to ischemic causes. Generally, hypertension has been reported to be a major cause of heart failure across the globe. The most challenging aspect in the diagnosis of heart failure in SSA is the lack of basic tools and the necessary human resources. Also, the unavailability of support facilities and services, high cost of drugs, weak health care systems that are over burdened with infectious diseases and poor access to guideline–directed medical treatment. Overall, prevention of hypertension, community blood pressure screening, physical activities, healthy living and working environment as well as access to effective health care are necessary preventive measures of cardiovascular diseases in SSA. This review is an observational study of 20-yr duration to examine the challenges of early diagnoses of heart failure in SSA and how to overcome them.