A Systematic Review of the Spectrum of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Sub-Saharan Africa

Material needs security and cardiovascular risk factors in rural South Africa

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is burgeoning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is increasing, though rates of CVD diagnosis and management remain low. Awareness of the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on cardiovascular outcomes is growing, however, most work focuses on high-income countries. Material needs security is a measure of SDOH that may be particularly relevant for LMICs. This study investigated the relationship between material needs security and cardiovascular risk in older adults living in South Africa.

METHODS

The analysis included 5059 respondents age ≥ 40 in the Health and Aging in Africa survey, an observational cohort study administered in 2014 in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Linear regression models tested the association between material needs and eight cardiovascular risk factors (waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides). Adjusted linear regression models controlled for sociodemographic confounders.

RESULTS

There were significant adjusted associations found between increased material needs security and four cardiovascular risk factors, including waist-to-hip ratio (β = 0.001; 95% CI [0.00002,0.002]), BMI (β = 0.19; 95%CI=[0.14,0.24]), glucose (β = 0.46; 95%CI=[0.02,0.90]), and triglycerides (β = 0.26; 95%CI=[0.02,0.49]).

CONCLUSION

Increased material needs security was associated with significantly increased cardiovascular risk in older adults in rural South Africa. These findings can inform the approach to treatment and management of cardiovascular disease in South Africa and similar LMICs. Future investigations should evaluate the implementation and efficacy of interventions that recognize the role of material needs security in cardiovascular risk.

Type 2 Myocardial Infarction in a Sub-Saharan Africa Population: Challenging the Current Concepts-Data From REACTIV

BACKGROUND

From a large observational acute coronary syndrome registry in Côte d'Ivoire, we aimed to assess incidence, clinical presentation, management, and in-hospital outcomes for type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) compared with type 1 MI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a cross-sectional monocentric study using data from REACTIV (Registre des Infarctus de Côte d'Ivoire) at the Abidjan Heart Institute. All patients hospitalized with MI between 2018 and 2022 who underwent coronary angiography were included. For each patient, sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk factors and history, and clinical and paraclinical presentation were collected at admission. In-hospital outcomes, including major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality, were reported. Among 541 consecutive patients hospitalized with MI, 441 met the definition of type 1 MI or T2MI. T2MI accounted for 14.1% of cases. Patients with T2MI showed a trend toward slightly younger age (54 versus 58 years, P=0.09). Patients with T2MI seemed to have less severe coronary artery disease, with less frequent multivessel disease (P<0.001). Main triggering factors for T2MI were coronary embolism (24.2%), severe hypertension with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (22.6%), and tachyarrhythmia (16.1%). In-hospital event rates were low in both MI types. Although the difference was nonsignificant, death rates for patients with type 1 MI tended to be higher than for patients with T2MI, as well as occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed disparities in clinical characteristics, angiographic features, cause, and in-hospital outcomes in T2MI in our population compared with Western populations. These results suggest the heterogeneity of T2MI and the potential causative and demographic variability depending on geographical area.

Comparison between interventional versus medical therapy in patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic heart disease remains the most common cardiovascular disease in children and young adults. The outcome of interventional versus medical therapy on the long term is not fully elucidated yet. This study provides contemporary data on the clinical profile, treatment and follow up of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) in Tanzania.

METHODS

Patients' medical information, investigations and treatment data were recorded in this prospective cohort study. They were followed up for 6-24 months to determine the long-term outcome. Interventional therapy was defined as a combination of surgery and percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards model were used in analyses. p-Value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We enrolled 290 consecutive patients. Interventions were done in half of the patients. Median follow up was 23.5 months. Mortality was higher in the medical than interventional treatment (10.4% vs. 4%, log-rank p = 0.001). Median age was 36 years, females (68.3%) and low income (55.5%). Multivalvular disease was found in 116 (40%) patients, atrial fibrillation (31.4%), stroke/transient ischaemic attack (18.9%) and heart failure class III-IV (44.1%). Median (IQR) duration of disease was 3 (4) years, secondary prophylaxis (27.7%) and oral anticoagulants use (62.3%). In multivariable analysis, the risk of death among patients on medical was 3.07 times higher than those on interventional treatment (crude HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43-6.56, p = 0.004), 2.44 times higher among patients with arrhythmias versus without arrhythmias (crude HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.19-4.49, p = 0.015) and 2.13 times higher among patients with multivalvular than single valve disease (crude HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.09-4.16, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention is carrying low mortality compared to medical treatment. Arrhythmias and multivalvular disease are associated with a high mortality. Rheumatic MS is more prevalent in young people, females and individuals with low income. There is a late hospital presentation and a low use of both secondary prophylactic antibiotics and anticoagulants.

Exploring the Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation in Nigeria: A Focus on Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure Patients and Its Association With Stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a significant global public health concern, particularly due to its association with adverse health outcomes such as stroke and heart failure. In Nigeria, where the burden of cardiovascular diseases is rising, understanding the prevalence and impact of AF is crucial for effective healthcare planning and intervention strategies. This review examines the epidemiology of AF in Nigeria, comparing it with global and African data. It explores demographic and regional variations, comorbidity factors, and the impact of AF on the healthcare system, mortality, and quality of life. Notably, the prevalence of AF in Nigeria generally falls just under 5%, but this figure rises to approximately 9% in stroke patients and 11-20% among those with heart failure (HF). Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is identified as a significant AF risk factor within Africa, affecting around 20% of AF patients - a stark contrast to the 2% in North America. AF's association with higher mortality rates and functional deterioration highlights the urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, alongside broader public health measures. In conclusion, the review emphasises the significant public health concern AF represents in Nigeria, especially among HF and stroke patients, and stresses the importance of tailored healthcare policies and interventions to mitigate AF's impact and improve patient outcomes.

Psychopathology associated with cardiac pacing in Tanzania: A case series

Emotional disarray linked to interventional procedures may potentially aggravate previous psychiatric conditions or even precipitate new psychopathologies. Despite of the well-known deleterious impact of mental health disorders on cardiac outcomes, psychological disturbances are relatively understudied yet of vital importance to the overall health of post-pacing patients. In this case series we present a spectrum of mental illnesses observed in a cohort of patients who underwent permanent pacemaker implantation in Tanzania's national referral cardiac centre. Five individuals of African origin aged between 58 and 81 years presented to Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute with clinical conditions warranting permanent pacemaker implantation. All five denied prior history of mental illness, however, after thorough psychiatric reviews; organic brain syndrome, panic disorder, brief psychotic disorder, adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder diagnoses were reached. All five were successfully channeled for medical psychotherapy. To conclude, this case series illustrates variable consequences of poor psychological adaptation to implantable cardiac devices, and it underscores the importance of continued psychological evaluation to such patients.

Spatial and temporal trends of overweight/obesity and tobacco use in East Africa: subnational insights into cardiovascular disease risk factors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Overweight/obesity and tobacco use are modifiable CVD risk factors, however literature about the spatiotemporal dynamics of these risk factors in the region at subnational or local scales is lacking. We describe the spatiotemporal trends of overweight/obesity and tobacco use at subnational levels over a 13-year period (2003 to 2016) in five East African nations.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) were used to explore the subnational spatiotemporal patterns of overweight/obesity and tobacco use in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, five East African Community (EAC) nations with unique cultural landscapes influencing CVD risk factors. Adaptive kernel density estimation and logistic regression were used to determine the spatial distribution and change over time of CVD risk factors on a subnational and subpopulation (rural/urban) scale.

RESULTS

Subnational analysis shows that regional and national level analysis masks important trends in CVD risk factor prevalence. Overweight/obesity and tobacco use trends were not similar: overweight/obesity prevalence increased across most nations included in the study and the inverse was true for tobacco use prevalence. Urban populations in each nation were more likely to be overweight/obese than rural populations, but the magnitude of difference varied widely between nations. Spatial analysis revealed that although the prevalence of overweight/obesity increased over time in both urban and rural populations, the rate of change differed between urban and rural areas. Rural populations were more likely to use tobacco than urban populations, though the likelihood of use varied substantially between nations. Additionally, spatial analysis showed that tobacco use was not evenly distributed across the landscape: tobacco use increased in and around major cities and urban centers but declined in rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight the importance of de-homogenizing CVD risk factor research in SSA. Studies of national or regional prevalence trends mask important information about subpopulation and place-specific behavior and drivers of risk factor prevalence. Spatially explicit studies should be considered as a vital tool to understand local drivers of health, disease, and associated risk factor trends, especially in highly diverse yet low-resourced, marginalized, and often homogenized regions.

Electrical storm in a middle-aged man

Electrical storm (ES) refers to a life-threatening condition characterised by three or more episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks in 24 hours. We report a case of a 58-year-old man who suffered recurrent episodes of sustained VT despite appropriate defibrillation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy. On stepwise evaluation, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) was considered the most likely substrate for his dysrhythmia. He was managed conservatively on antiarrhythmic drugs with no further clinical episodes of VT, and ICD implantation for secondary prophylaxis was recommended.

Funding

None declared.

Convergence of HIV and non-communicable disease epidemics: Geospatial mapping of the unmet health needs in a HIV Hyperendemic South African community

Background

As people living with HIV (PLHIV) are experiencing longer survival, the co-occurrence of HIV and non-communicable diseases has become a public health priority. In response to this emerging challenge, we aimed to characterize the spatial structure of convergence of chronic health conditions in a HIV hyperendemic community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

We utilized data from a comprehensive population-based disease survey conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which collected data on HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. We implemented a novel health needs scale to categorize participants as: diagnosed and well-controlled (Needs Score 1), diagnosed and sub-optimally controlled (Score 2), diagnosed but not engaged in care (Score 3), or undiagnosed and uncontrolled (Score 4). Scores 2-4 were indicative of unmet health needs. We explored the geospatial structure of unmet health needs using different spatial clustering methods.

Findings

The analytical sample comprised of 18,041 individuals. We observed a similar spatial structure for HIV among those with a combined needs Score 2-3 (diagnosed but uncontrolled) and Score 4 (undiagnosed and uncontrolled), with most PLHIV with unmet needs clustered in the southern peri-urban area, which was relatively densely populated within the surveillance area. Multivariate clustering analysis revealed a significant overlap of all three diseases in individuals with undiagnosed and uncontrolled diseases (unmet needs Score 4) in the southern part of the catchment area.

Interpretation

In a HIV hyperendemic community in South Africa, areas with the highest needs for PLHIV with undiagnosed and uncontrolled disease are also areas with the highest burden of unmet needs for other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. The identification and prioritization of geographically clustered vulnerable communities with unmet health needs for both HIV and non-communicable diseases provide a basis for policy and implementation strategies to target communities with the highest health needs.

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Fogarty International Center (R21 TW011687; D43 TW010543), the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K24 HL166024; T32 AI007433) of the National Institutes of Health, and Heart Lung and Blood Institute (K24 HL166024, T32 AI007433). The contents of this manuscript are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and atrial fibrillation: a Sub-Saharan African perspective

Cardiovascular diseases are a well-established cause of death in high-income countries. In the last 20 years, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has seen one of the sharpest increases in cardiovascular disease-related mortality, superseding that of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, in South Africa. This increase is evidenced by a growing burden of heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors. AF is a common comorbidity of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which predisposes to an increased risk of stroke, rehospitalizations, and mortality compared with patients in sinus rhythm. AF had the largest relative increase in cardiovascular disease burden between 1990 and 2010 in SSA and the second highest (106.4%) increase in disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) between 1990 and 2017. Over the last decade, significant advancements in the management of both HFrEF and AF have emerged. However, managing HFrEF/AF remains a clinical challenge for physicians, compounded by the suboptimal efficacy of guideline-mandated pharmacotherapy in this group of patients. There may be an essential role for racial differences and genetic influence on therapeutic outcomes of HFrEF/AF patients, further complicating our overall understanding of the disease and its pathophysiology. In SSA, the lack of accurate and up-to-date epidemiological data on this subgroup of patients presents a challenge in our quest to prevent and reduce adverse outcomes. This narrative review provides a contemporary overview of the epidemiology of HFrEF/AF in SSA. We highlight important differences in the demographic and aetiological profile and the management of this subpopulation, emphasizing what is currently known and, more importantly, what is still unknown about HFrEF/AF in SSA.

Cardiovascular diseases in Africa in the twenty-first century: Gaps and priorities going forward

In 2015, the United Nations set important targets to reduce premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths by 33% by 2030. Africa disproportionately bears the brunt of CVD burden and has one of the highest risks of dying from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. There is currently an epidemiological transition on the continent, where NCDs is projected to outpace communicable diseases within the current decade. Unchecked increases in CVD risk factors have contributed to the growing burden of three major CVDs-hypertension, cardiomyopathies, and atherosclerotic diseases- leading to devastating rates of stroke and heart failure. The highest age standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to hypertensive heart disease (HHD) were recorded in Africa. The contributory causes of heart failure are changing-whilst HHD and cardiomyopathies still dominate, ischemic heart disease is rapidly becoming a significant contributor, whilst rheumatic heart disease (RHD) has shown a gradual decline. In a continent where health systems are traditionally geared toward addressing communicable diseases, several gaps exist to adequately meet the growing demand imposed by CVDs. Among these, high-quality research to inform interventions, underfunded health systems with high out-of-pocket costs, limited accessibility and affordability of essential medicines, CVD preventive services, and skill shortages. Overall, the African continent progress toward a third reduction in premature mortality come 2030 is lagging behind. More can be done in the arena of effective policy implementation for risk factor reduction and CVD prevention, increasing health financing and focusing on strengthening primary health care services for prevention and treatment of CVDs, whilst ensuring availability and affordability of quality medicines. Further, investing in systematic country data collection and research outputs will improve the accuracy of the burden of disease data and inform policy adoption on interventions. This review summarizes the current CVD burden, important gaps in cardiovascular medicine in Africa, and further highlights priority areas where efforts could be intensified in the next decade with potential to improve the current rate of progress toward achieving a 33% reduction in CVD mortality.

Cardiovascular risk factors among people with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Uganda

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) and its risk factors are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined the prevalence and associations of CVD risk factors among people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) in Uganda.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled people with microbiologically confirmed DRTB at four treatment sites in Uganda between July to December 2021. The studied CVD risk factors were any history of cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM) hypertension, high body mass index (BMI), central obesity and dyslipidaemia. We used modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to determine factors independently associated with each of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and central obesity.

Results

Among 212 participants, 118 (55.7%) had HIV. Overall, 196 (92.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 88.0-95.3) had ≥ 1 CVD risk factor. The prevalence; 95% CI of individual CVD risk factors was: dyslipidaemia (62.5%; 55.4–69.1), hypertension (40.6%; 33.8–47.9), central obesity (39.3%; 32.9–46.1), smoking (36.3%; 30.1–43.1), high BMI (8.0%; 5.0–12.8) and DM (6.5%; 3.7–11.1). Dyslipidaemia was associated with an increase in glycated haemoglobin (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.14, 95%CI 1.06–1.22). Hypertension was associated with rural residence (aPR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14–3.14) and previous history of smoking (aPR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21–0.98). Central obesity was associated with increasing age (aPR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00–1.03), and elevated diastolic blood pressure (aPR 1.03 95%CI 1.00–1.06).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of CVD risk factors among people with DRTB in Uganda, of which dyslipidaemia is the commonest. We recommend integrated services for identification and management of CVD risk factors in DRTB.

Outcome of life-threatening arrhythmias among patients presenting in an emergency setting at a tertiary hospital in Accra-Ghana

Background

Management of life-threatening arrhythmia can be incredibly challenging in advanced health systems. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this is likely more challenging because of weak pre-hospital and in-hospital critical care systems. Little is known about life-threatening arrhythmia and their outcomes in SSA. The aim of this study was to examine the types and outcomes of arrhythmias among haemodynamically unstable patients presenting at a tertiary hospital in Accra-Ghana.

Method

This was a retrospective case series study conducted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra-Ghana. Medical records of patients who presented with or developed haemodynamically unstable arrhythmias within 24h of admission from January 2018 to December 2020 were reviewed. The demographic characteristics and clinical data including outcomes of patients were collected. Descriptive statistics were used and results presented in frequency tables.

Results

A total of 42 patients with life-threatening arrhythmias were included. Haemodynamically unstable tachyarrhythmias were the most common arrhythmias found among the patients (66.7%). Approximately 52% of patients had structural heart diseases whereas 26.2% had no apparent underlying cause or predisposing factor. Cardioversion (52.4%), commonly electrical (63.6%), and transvenous pacemaker implantation (23.8%) were the common initial interventions. The majority of the patients (88.1%) survived and were discharged home.

Conclusion

Tachyarrhythmias are the most common haemodynamically unstable arrhythmias seen among patients presenting emergently in a leading tertiary hospital in Ghana. A high survival rate was observed and cannot be extrapolated to other healthcare settings in sub-Saharan Africa with limited resources to manage these clinical entities.

Prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing global health challenge disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income settings, including Ethiopia. Currently, the body of evidence describing the burden of NCDs is fragmented, inconsistent, health facility- or institution-based, and out-dated in Ethiopia. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the prevalence of NCDs in community settings in Ethiopia.

Review methodology

Community-based quantitative studies published in English between January 1st, 2012, and June 30th, 2022, that reported on the prevalence of NCDs in Ethiopia were included. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Global Health using pretested search terms related to NCDs was conducted, and data were extracted using a piloted data extraction proforma adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16. While the pooled prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and undiagnosed (DM) was computed and presented using forest plots, then overall prevalence of NCDs and other various types of NCDs were narratively synthesized. I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. Studies that did not fulfill the criteria (used similar tool to measure the types of NCDs) for meta-analysis were narratively synthesized.

Results

Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies measured the prevalence of NCDs (all NCDs together), ranging from 29 to 35% (prevalence estimates not pooled). The pooled prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) across ten studies was 5% (95% CI: 4–7%). Three studies each reported on the prevalence of undiagnosed DM (pooled prevalence 5%, 95% CI: 4–7%) and pre-DM (pooled prevalence 7%, 95% CI: 3–14%%). In a narrative analysis the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions ranged from 13.4 to 32.2% (n = 3 studies), cancer mortality ranged from 4 to 18% (n = 3 studies) and respiratory conditions ranged from 1 to 18% (n = 3 studies). Some studies have determined more than one NCDs and that is why the total number of studies are exceeding more than twenty studies.

Conclusion and recommendations

Our analysis found that approximately one-third of Ethiopians have an NCD, with cardiovascular diseases the most common of all NCDs. The prevalence of respiratory conditions also appears high, but there are insufficient data for a pooled estimate. Whilst the prevalence of DM appears relatively low, there is evidence that the magnitude is increasing. Public health actions to address the high burden of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as the increasing magnitude of DM in Ethiopia, must be prioritized.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO [CRD42020196815].

Adherence to self-care recommendations and associated factors among adult heart failure patients in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Adherence to self-care recommendations in heart failure (HF) patients is essential to improve the patients' quality of life, prevent hospital admission, and reduce mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, poor adherence to self-care recommendations remains to be an extensive problem for HF patients. Thus, the aim was to assess adherence to self-care recommendations and associated factors among HF patients in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult HF patients from February 15 to April 15, 2021, in five public hospitals, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 294 adult HF patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire in the Amharic language. The Revised HF Compliance Questionnaire was used to measure the adherence to self-care recommendations of HF patients. Data was collected using the Revised HF Compliance Questionnaire, the Japanese heart failure knowledge scale, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the chronic diseases self-efficacy scale. Study participants were selected through a systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi-info version 7.1 and then exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed and the statistical significance of associations between the variables was determined using ORs with 95% CI and p-values < 0.05.

RESULTS

Adherence to self-care recommendations among adult HF patients in public hospitals, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was 32.70%. Being female (AOR 4.66, 95% CI 1.58-13.67), patients who had high family monthly income (AOR 10.32, 95% CI 2.00-5.13), NYHA class III (AOR: 7.01, 95% CI 2.18-22.57) and class IV (AOR: 6.30, 95% CI 1.01-39.22), who had good self-efficacy (AOR 7.63, 95% CI 2.64-21.97), and who had good knowledge about HF (AOR 3.95, 95% CI 1.56-9.95) were more likely to have good adherence to self-care recommendations, p-value < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that 32.70% of adult HF patients had good adherence to self-care recommendations. Factors associated with adherence to self-care recommendations of adult HF patients are sex, family monthly income, NYHA classification, self-efficacy, and knowledge about HF. Therefore, interventions focused on sex, family monthly income, NYHA classification, self-efficacy, and knowledge about HF are required to improve adherence to self-care recommendations of adult HF patients.

[Observational study of the prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke and the factors associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients: about 2887 cases]

Introduction

high blood pressure (HBP), atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke are three public health problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of AF and ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients and the factors associated with the occurrence of non-valvular AF in these patients.

Methods

we used data collected in the Department of Cardiology at the University Hospital of Sfax as a part of National Tunisian Registry of Hypertension. We examined the associations between different socio-demographic, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic variables and AF in hypertensive patients using logistic regression models.

Results

our sample consisted of 2887 patients with a sex ratio of 0.95. The average age of patients was 65 years (±11). AF was found in 230 patients (8%), while ischemic stroke was found in 152 patients (5.3%). Multivariate analysis highlighted that independent factors associated with an increase in the prevalence of AF were: advanced age (p = 0,001, Odds Ratio (OR) = 1,647, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1,1227-2,213), the detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on cardiac ultrasound (p= 0,004, OR= 2,140, 5%CI 9: 1,281-3,576), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% (p<0,001, OR=4,677, 95% CI: 2,715 and 8.057).

Conclusion

this study confirms that there is a direct and independent relationship between high blood pressure, advanced age, LVH and AF. AF in patients with high blood pressure is a disease progression leading to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Optimal high blood pressure control is a priority in hypertensive patients, especially in the elderly, aiming at preventing the risk of AF and ischemic stroke.