Epidemiological Aspects of the Management of Heart Failure Patients Seen in Cardiological Consultations in the National Hospital of Niamey

Abstract

Background/Aim: Heart failure is defined as a structural or functional abnormality of the heart resulting in an inability to supply the tissues with oxygen at a rate commensurate with their needs. Objective: To contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiological aspects of the treatment of in charge of patient’s heart failure patients. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months (February 2020 to October 2020 without April et May due to Covid) Result: Thus, our sample consisted of 300 cases. The average age was 56.9 +13.7 years with extremes ranging from 19 to 98 years. Housewives were the most represented at 43.7%. High blood pressure and sedentary lifestyle were the most common DRFs in 95% of the patients, followed by obesity in 22.3%. In 61.3% of the cases, patients knew they had heart disease but did not know the type. Unusual shortness of breath on exertion was the main sign that prompted patients to consult a doctor (67.7%). Only 2% weighed themselves regularly. All of our patients (99%) were aware of the recommendation for sodium restriction and more than half (58.3%) had adapted to a low-salt diet. Only 23.2% of our patients drank less than 1.5L per day. 29.7% of our patients were not physically active. Regarding treatment, diuretics were the most used as specific treatment in 64.3% of cases and antiplatelet agents in 12.3% of cases. Conclusion: Our study has highlighted educational gaps in the heart failure population. Further studies may help to initiate a therapeutic education approach for patients in order to improve their quality of life and Morbi-mortality.