Cardiovascular risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Ischemic heart disease is increasing dramatically in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite an increasing prevalence of risk factors, and some characteristics of the African people that make the African population subject to the effects of major cardiovascular risk factors. The pace and direction of economic development, rates of urbanization, the changes in life expectancy, associated with different pathophysiological factors are causing an increased rate of atherosclerotic disease in these countries. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease in SSA has shown a significant rise in the next two following decades due to the rising prevalence of risk factors, especially hypertension, diabetes, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use and the dyslipidemia, mainly due to an increase in urbanization. Moreover, thanks to new knowledge, it has been pointed out the difference of individual risk factors in the African population and other populations due to genetic differences. It is estimated that age-standardized approach for ischemic heart disease mortality rates will rise by 27% in African men and 25% in women by 2015 and by 70 and 74%, respectively by 2030. More research is needed in Africa to provide evidence for cardiovascular prevention and treatment to mitigate the oncoming epidemic. Health interventions are needed for preventing or reducing the morbidity/mortality and should be addressed to both children and adults, including score of the risk stratification modified, starting early and aggressive therapy, if necessary.