The pattern of cardiovascular disease in River Nile State (October 2019-April 2020)

Abstract

Background: The rise of cardiovascular diseases poses a significant global threat, not only in terms of morbidity and mortality but also due to their substantial economic burden. Understanding the specific patterns of CVDs within various populations is crucial for effective prevention, early diagnosis, and management. Objective: This study aimed to determine the pattern of cardiovascular disease using echocardiography in River Nile State. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted from October 2019 to April 2020 aimed to ascertain the pattern of cardiovascular diseases using echocardiography in River Nile State. A sample of 1000 participants from Atbara Teaching Hospital, Atbara Complex, and Shendi Teaching Hospital was included. The study population comprised all Sudanese patients undergoing echocardiography in the region. Inclusion criteria involved patients presenting for echocardiography who consented to participate, while refusal to participate constituted exclusion criteria. Data collection involved obtaining written consent from patients and recording echocardiographic findings, including age, gender, and patterns of heart disease, using standardized data sheets. Results: The findings revealed a mean age of 72±6.8 years, with females comprising 64.7% of the sample. Hypertensive heart disease (31.5%) and valvular lesions (29.8%) emerged as the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases. Ischemic heart disease (11.2%), rheumatic heart disease (8.3%), and cardiomyopathy (5.7%) were also notable. Patterns of cardiovascular diseases showed significant associations with age and gender, with hypertensive heart disease and valvular lesions more prevalent in older age groups, while congenital heart disease was more prevalent among younger individuals (20–40 years). Conclusion: The study revealed that hypertensive heart disease (31.5%) and valvular lesions (29.8%) as the dominant CVD patterns. Focusing on these conditions with tailored prevention, early diagnosis, and management is crucial, especially for older individuals. Keywords: Cardiac diseases, Comorbidity, Nile State, Pattern.