Cardiovascular Disease Surge Alarms Health Officials Across Africa
A dramatic rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is sweeping across Africa, posing a growing threat to public health adn development.CVD now accounts for over 1 million deaths annually in the region, representing 11.3% of all deaths in Africa and 5.5% of all deaths globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) African region (AFRO) is sounding the alarm as traditional cardiovascular conditions are increasingly overshadowed by a new wave of heart-related illnesses linked to lifestyle changes and modernization.
For decades, Africa’s cardiovascular health profile was largely defined by conditions like rheumatic heart disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and complications stemming from infectious diseases such as tuberculous pericarditis. Though, over the last 30 years, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease have seen alarming increases – rising by 71.4%, 37.7%,and 154% respectively. This shift signals a meaningful epidemiological transition, demanding urgent attention and revised public health strategies.
The escalating crisis is fueled by a confluence of factors, including evolving dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and rapid industrialization. These changes are driving widespread prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and tobacco use. Studies reveal that over 90% of adults accessing primary care exhibit at least one of these risk factors, with more than half grappling with three or more.
The WHO AFRO emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions targeting prevention,early detection,and effective management of CVD risk factors. Strengthening healthcare systems, promoting healthy lifestyles, and implementing policies to address the root causes of these changes are crucial steps in mitigating the growing burden of cardiovascular disease across the African continent.
