Title : Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Africa: Burden, Etiologic Contributors, and the Need for Early Intervention
Abstract:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most important causes of heart failure and premature death globally, yet its burden is far from uniform. In developing nations—where diagnosis is often delayed, access to specialized cardiac care is limited, and multiple overlapping health problems are the norm—DCM can account for a disproportionately large share of preventable illness and disability. Across Africa, DCM has emerged as a major driver of heart failure, shaping the course of cardiovascular disease for millions of young and middle?aged adults.
A recent systematic review of 24 studies from 16 sub?Saharan African countries reveals that DCM accounts for about 20–32% of heart?failure cases, with striking variation by setting—from roughly 7% in Nigeria to over 50% in Rwanda. This spectrum reflects a high and heterogeneous disease burden, shaped by diverse contributors such as post?viral processes, alcohol use, peripartum cardiomyopathy, drug intake, autoimmune and nutritional factors, thyroid disorders, HIV, and arrhythmias, alongside a large proportion of idiopathic cases.
This presentation synthesizes available data on the prevalence and etiologic contributors to DCM across African populations, integrating evidence from regional studies and broader African literature. By highlighting the epidemiologic patterns and system?level gaps—from late diagnosis and limited access to echocardiography to shortages of internists, cardiologists, and specific heart?failure drugs—the talk aims to clarify the true scale of DCM in Africa, spotlight priorities for early screening and targeted intervention, and catalyze practical strategies to halt progression to heart failure and premature death in African populations.
