Gallagher Joseph, McDonald Kenneth, Ledwidge Mark, Watson Chris J
gHealth Research Group, University College Dublin, Ireland.
Heartbeat Trust, Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin, Ireland.
Card Fail Rev. 2018 May;4(1):21-24. doi: 10.15420/cfr.2018:4:1.
Heart failure is a growing problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This arises as the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease rises, life expectancy increases and causes of heart failure more common in Africa, such as rheumatic heart disease and endomyocardial fibrosis, continue to be a significant issue. Lack of access to diagnostics is an issue with the expense and technical expertise required for echocardiography limiting access. Biomarker strategies may play a role here. Access to essential medicines is also limited and requires a renewed focus by the international community to ensure that appropriate medications are readily available, similar to that which has been implemented for HIV and malaria.
心力衰竭在撒哈拉以南非洲地区正成为一个日益严重的问题。这是由于心血管疾病风险因素的患病率上升、预期寿命增加，以及在非洲更为常见的心力衰竭病因（如风湿性心脏病和心内膜心肌纤维化）仍然是一个重大问题。缺乏诊断手段是一个问题，因为超声心动图所需的费用和技术专长限制了其可及性。生物标志物策略可能在此发挥作用。基本药物的可及性也有限，需要国际社会重新关注，以确保能随时获得适当的药物，就像在艾滋病毒和疟疾防治方面所采取的措施那样。
