Epidemiology of HF in SSA

23 January 2016, Vol. 106, No. 1 Heart failure (HF) is a major public health challenge, accounting for significant morbidity and premature mortality globally, including in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).[1] Owing to high prevalence and poor clinical outcomes, HF is associated with recurrent hospitalisation and substantial healthcare expenditure.[2] In contrast to Western countries, where HF is considered a disease of older persons, in SSA it affects younger individuals.[1-3] Acute decompensated HF is the most common primary diagnosis for patients admitted to hospital with heart disease in SSA, and it is encountered at all levels of care.[1,3,4] The goals of the clinical approach to HF include: (i) correctly diagnosing the clinical syndrome of HF; (ii) identifying the underlying cause; and (iii) implementing an effective management strategy for symptom control, prolonging survival and reversing factors that predispose to precipitation of HF exacerbations.