In African patients, AHF has a predominantly nonischemic cause, most commonly hypertension. The condition occurs in middle-aged adults, equally in men and women, and is associated with high mortality. The outcome is similar to that observed in non-African AHF registries, suggesting that AHF has a dire prognosis globally, regardless of the cause.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and an important cause of disability. In Africa, the burden of CVD is increasing rapidly and it is now a public health concern. Epidemiological data on diseases is scarce and fragmented on the continent.AimTo review available data on the epidemiology and pattern of heart disease in Sudan.MethodsData were obtained from the Sudan Household Survey (SHHS) 2006, annual health statistical reports of the Sudan Federal Ministry of Health, the STEPS survey of chronic disease risk factors in Sudan/Khartoum, and journal publications.ResultsThe SHHS reported a prevalence of 2.5% for heart disease. Hypertensive heart disease (HHD), rheumatic heart disease (RHD), ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cardiomyopathy constitute more than 80% of CVD in Sudan. Hypertension (HTN) had a prevalence of 20.1 and 20.4% in the SHHS and STEPS survey, respectively. There were poor control rates and a high prevalence of target-organ damage in the local studies. RHD prevalence data were available only for Khartoum state and the incidence has dropped from 3/1 000 people in the 1980s to 0.3% in 2003. There were no data on any other states. The coronary event rates in 1989 were 112/100 000 people, with a total mortality of 36/100 000. Prevalence rates of low physical activity, obesity, HTN, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and smoking were 86.8, 53.9, 23.6, 19.8, 19.2 and 12%, respectively, in the STEPS survey. Peripartum cardiomyopathy occurs at a rate of 1.5% of all deliveries. Congenital heart disease is prevalent in 0.2% of children.ConclusionHeart diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Sudan. The tetrad of hypertension, RHD, IHD and cardiomyopathy constitute the bulk of CVD. Hypertension is prevalent, with poor control rates. A decline in rheumatic heart disease was seen in the capital state and no data were available on other parts of the country. No recent data on IHD were available. Peripartum cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease occur at similar rates to those in other African countries.

SummaryIntroductionRheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the commonest cause of valvular heart disease and a common cause of heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Atrial fibrillation (AF) complicates RHD, precipitates and worsens heart failure and cause unfavourable outcomes. We set out to describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of valvular atrial fibrillation in a cohort of African patients with acute heart failure (AHF).MethodsThe sub-Saharan Africa Survey of Heart Failure (THESUS-HF) was a prospective, observational survey of AHF in nine countries. We collected demographic data, medical history and signs and symptoms of HF. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were done in a standard fashion. AF was defined as either a history of AF or AF on the admission ECG. Using Cox regression models, we examined the associations of AF with all-cause death over 180 days and a composite endpoint of all-cause death or readmission over 60 days.ResultsThere were 1 006 patients in the registry. The mean age was 52.3 years and 50.8% were women. AF was present in 209 (20.8%) cases. Those with AF were older (57.1 vs 51.1 years), more likely to be female (57.4 vs 49.1%), had significantly lower systolic (125 vs 132 mmHg) and diastolic (81 vs 85 mmHg) blood pressure (BP), and higher heart rates (109 vs 102 bpm). Ninety-two (44%) AF patients had valvular heart disease. The presence of AF was not associated with the primary endpoints, but having valvular AF predicted death within 180 days.ConclusionAF was present in one-fifth of African patients with AHF. Almost half of the AF patients had valvular disease (RHD) and were significantly younger and at risk of dying within six months. It is important to identify these high-risk patients and prioritise their management, especially in SSA where resources are limited.

Although the outcome of patients admitted for AHF in sub-Saharan regions is similar in men and women, some gender differences are apparent suggesting that in men more emphasis should be put on modifiable life risk factors, while in women prevention of rheumatic heart diseases and improved nutrition should be addressed vigorously.

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