Recent advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognosis of acute heart failure and cardiomyopathy in Africa

摘要: This review addresses recent advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognosis of acute heart failure cardiomyopathy based on research conducted Africa. We searched Medline/PubMed for publications decompensated Africa past 5 years (ie, 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012). was supplemented with personal communications colleagues from working field. A large prospective registry has shown that is caused by hypertension, rheumatic disease 90% cases, a pattern contrast dominance coronary artery North America Europe. Furthermore, young mean age 52 years, occurs equally men women, associated high mortality at 6 months (∼18%), which is, however, similar observed non-African registries, suggesting dire globally, regardless aetiology. The molecular genetics dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic arrhythmogenic right ventricular Africans consistent observations elsewhere world; unique founder effects Afrikaner provide an opportunity study genotype–phenotype correlations numbers individuals due same mutation. Advances understanding mechanisms peripartum have led promising clinical trials bromocriptine treatment failure. key challenges management are urgent need increase use proven treatments physicians, control hypertension primary care population level.