DR J A ALUOCH
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) previously considered rare in Sub-Saharan Africa, now ranks 8th among leading causes of death in men and women in the region.
The prevalence of the disease that is characterised by reduced supply of blood to the heart muscle and related morbidity may be increasing as a result of adverse behaviour and lifestyle changes associated with urbanisation.
The major risk factors for IHD in sub-Saharan Africa include hypertension, smoking, diabetes, abdominal obesity and dyslipidaemia — abnormalities in the blood. Many cost-effective interventions exist and they are likely to have a significant health impact in Africa. An aggressive approach that combines environmental policy and legislative interventions for health promotion and primary prevention, coupled with improved access to evaluation, treatment and control of hypertension and other major risk factors, provides the best strategy for averting an epidemic of IHD in sub-Saharan.
WHO estimated that in 2005, IHD caused 361 000 deaths in Africa and current projections suggest that this number will nearly double by 2030.
Cause of death
Considering that IHD was regarded as rare in Sub-Saharan Africa barely 50 years ago, these observations are remarkable and highlight the emerging burden of chronic non-communicable diseases that is now superimposed on the huge burden of HIV and Aids, other infectious and parasitic diseases, and the ravages of famine, malnutrition, and social conflict that constitute Africa’s health challenges today.
Fundamental approaches to the prevention and control of IHD are to promote cardiovascular health beginning early in life to prevent development of risk factors, screen for, identify, treat and prevent first-time IHD, treat acute cases promptly so as to reduce case fatalities, apply effective interventions in people who survive first-time IHD events to prevent complications.
Education on healthier lifestyle choices such as weight reduction, increased intake of fruits, vegetables, smoking cessation and greater physical activity is crucial.
— The writer is a Nairobi based doctor.