[Prevalence and characteristics of acute coronary syndromes in a sub-Saharan Africa population]

Abstract

Aim: To assess prevalence, characteristics and management of acute coronary syndromes in sub-Saharan Africa population.

Patients and methods: Prospective survey from January, 2010 to December, 2013, carried out among patients aged 18 years old, admitted to intensive care unit of Abidjan Heart Institute for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Results: Four hundred and twenty-five (425) patients were enrolled in this study. Prevalence of ACS was 13.5%. Mean age was 55.4±11 years. Clinical presentation was predominantly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 71.5% of subjects, non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) accounted for 28.5%. Two hundred and eighty patients (65.9%) were transferred by unsafe transportation. Among the 89 patients admitted within 12hours of the onset of symptoms, primary percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 20 patients (22.5%), or 6.6% of STEMI as a whole. Twenty-five patients (8.2%) received fibrinolytic therapy with alteplase. In-hospital death rate was 10%.

Conclusion: The prevalence of acute coronary syndromes is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. Excessive delays of admission and limited technical facilities are the major difficulties of their management in our regions.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Afrique subsaharienne; Management; Prevalence; Prise en charge; Prévalence; Sub-Saharan Africa; Syndrome coronarien aigu.