Africa at the epicentre of a deadly crisis as cardiovascular diseases claim 19.2 million lives globally
Recent data from the Pan-African Society of Cardiology estimates that heart failure accounts for up to 30- 50 per cent of all cardiac admissions in African hospitals.
What you need to know:
- Doctors warn late diagnosis and lifestyle changes are driving a preventable epidemic.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 19.2 million lives in 2023 alone, according to a new global study.
The findings, published this month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, show that one in every three deaths globally is linked to CVD, with conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure on the rise.
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As the global health burden shifts, Kenya and the broader sub-Saharan African region are finding themselves at the epicentre of a silent and deadly epidemic. Recent data from the Pan-African Society of Cardiology estimates that heart failure accounts for up to 30- 50 per cent of all cardiac admissions in African hospitals.
This is even as a section of Kenyan cardiologists sound the alarm on what they describe as Africa’s "silent heart crisis."
“Heart failure now accounts for up to 50 per cent of cardiac admissions in African hospitals. Patients are coming in late, often already in advanced stages of heart failure.
The tragedy is that many of these cases are preventable,” says Dr Elijah Njau, consultant interventional cardiologist at Nairobi Hospital.
Dr Njau points to poorly managed hypertension, rising obesity, and diabetes, all fueled by changing urban diets and limited access to screening, as major culprits.
Dr Lois Muriithi, consultant cardiologist and medical director at The Mountain Springs Medical Centre in Nyeri, agrees. “We are in the middle of a dangerous shift. Non-communicable diseases are overtaking infectious ones in sub-Saharan Africa. And due to weak surveillance, we are likely underestimating the true scale of the cardiovascular crisis.”
One of the biggest obstacles, experts say, is the lack of early diagnosis. Cardiovascular diseases often progress silently. High blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol issues can go undetected for years until a person suffers a stroke, heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Life and death
“In Kenya, many people don’t even know they’re at risk. A simple blood pressure or cholesterol check can mean the difference between life and death,” says Dr Daniel Nduiga, interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist.
He warns that even when patients are diagnosed, treatment adherence remains a problem. “Almost half of heart patients stop taking their medications within a year because of side effects, cost, or a false sense of wellness. But cardiovascular diseases are chronic, and skipping medication can be fatal.”
Dr Bernard Samia, consultant cardiologist at MP Shah Hospital, echoes the concern. “Feeling better doesn’t mean the disease is gone. Medicines work only when taken consistently. We need more public education and better treatment support to improve long-term adherence.”
While access to medication and diagnosis is critical, doctors emphasise that prevention starts long before a hospital visit.
“Lifestyle change is the first medicine. Eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Cut down on processed foods, salt, and sugar. And move — at least 30 minutes a day,” says Dr Helen Nguchu, secretary of the Kenya Cardiac Society.
Dr Nguchu points to research showing that moderate daily activity like brisk walking or cycling can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 35 per cent. She also stresses the importance of water intake and adequate sleep in maintaining heart health.
To reverse the rising tide of cardiovascular disease, the experts say Kenya must urgently adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the medical and societal dimensions of the crisis.
First and foremost, the experts indicate, there must be a concerted effort to expand access to early screening and diagnosis. “Many Kenyans live with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol without knowing it, largely because regular check-ups remain out of reach, particularly in rural and underserved communities,”
explains Dr Muriithi.
According to the experts, strengthening the capacity of local clinics to offer basic heart health screenings, coupled with mobile outreach programmes, can help detect cardiovascular risks early and prevent life-threatening complications before they arise.
Equally critical, they say, is the need to raise public awareness through sustained education campaigns. Patient education is important to improve awareness of warning signs such as breathlessness, persistent fatigue, and swollen legs.
“Many people are unfamiliar with the warning signs of cardiovascular distress, where symptoms like persistent fatigue, swollen legs, chest pain, or breathlessness are often dismissed until it is too late,” explains Dr Muriithi.
Doctors also emphasise the need for stronger primary healthcare systems, more affordable medicines, and sustainable follow-up care.
