Neglected Cardiomyopathies in Africa

ABSTRACT

"Cardiomyopathies are forms of disease in which the heart muscle is structurally and functionally abnormal in the absence of coronary artery disease; hypertension; valve disease and congenital heart disease sufficient to explain he observed myocardial abnormality. They constitute the greatest challenge of all the cardiovascular diseases in Africa; due to the difficulties in diagnosing and managing them; related to the lack of access to specialised investigations or effective interventions in most endemic areas. In this continent; in addition to the ""usual"" forms of cardiomyopathy; there is an increased incidence of specific forms of muscle heart disease like Endomyocardial Fibrosis and Peripartum Cardiomyopathy which; despite affecting thousands of people; have been largely neglected. Their etiology remains unknown; the mechanisms involved are not fully nderstood; and although some improvement in management has been witnessed in recent years much still need to be done to improve the outcome. The current knowledge on epidemiology; determinants; thophysiology; diagnosis and management of Endomyocardial Fibrosis and Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is reviewed in this article; which also presents the ongoing efforts for better understanding of their pathogenesis and the recent improvements in their management."