Paper Title: Myocardial infarction in Nigerians: Trends from a tertiary institution in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Akpa M.R., Agada Z., Odia O.J.
Article DOI:
Abstract/Summary:
BACKGROUND: Nigeria is listed among countries undergoing demographic transition in health with non communicable diseases replacing infectious disease as a major cause of mortality. Socio-economic changes, rural to urban migration and unplanned urbanization have led to emergence of non-communicable diseases including ischemic heart disease (IHD) as major causes of disease. The actual prevalence of IHD in Nigeria is unknown but prevalence is generally considered low in Nigeria. This study was undertaken to describe the current prevalence as well as the spectrum of risk factors of myocardial infarction as seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective study of the prevalence and spectrum of presentation of myocardial infarction in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt over a three year period, July 2008 to June 2011. The medical records of patients admitted into the medical wards and intensive care unit of the hospital with a diagnosis of acute ischemic heart disease were reviewed and those that met the diagnostic criteria for acute myocardial infarction based on the WHO diagnostic criteria were analyzed. Data is presented in simple descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of twenty nine (29) patients were diagnosed and admitted with ischemic heart disease over the study period while thirteen (13), 4 females and 9 males giving a ratio of 1:2.25 were confirmed as cases of acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: Myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease appear to have increased in prevalence compared to earlier reports and the healthcare system is unprepared for the development. Community based programs should be initiated to control risk factors and measures introduced to cater for the morbidity associated with ischemic heart disease.
Publication Date:
2014-12-31