Seasonal variation in admission for heart failure, hypertension and stroke in Uyo, south-eastern Nigeria

Background:Seasonal variation in hospitalization for cardiovascular disease has been described in thetemperate regions of the world as well as in Northern Nigeria. Increase admission rates during the coldseasons have been reported in these areas. No studies have been done in Southern Nigeria. This studyis thus aimed at describing the seasonal variation in admissions for heart failure, uncontrolledhypertension and hypertension related-stroke in Southern Nigeria.Methods:Hospital records of patients admitted to the medical wards of the University of Uyo Hospital(UUTH) with heart failure of all causes, uncontrolled hypertension and hypertension­related stroke(Cerebrovascular accident) between January 1998 and December 2001 were used. Epi-Info 2002software was used to analyze data.Results:Of the 3500 patients admitted during the study period 542 (15.3%) were on account of heartfailure, uncontrolled hypertension and hypertension related cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The meanage of patients was 52±12.8 years. The average monthly admission was eleven (11). More admissionswere recorded in the rainy (cold) season than in the dry (hot) season. The observed difference washowever statistically significant only for heart failure and uncontrolled hypertension (P<.05).Conclusion:Admissions for heart failure and uncontrolled hypertension are therefore more during thewet (cold) season in southern Nigeria. This may be attributed to the high default rate to follow up visitin this season when agriculturalactivity is intense and less attention given to medical care. This leads topoor compliance to medications and clinical deterioration. The already bad road network both in ruraland urban centers also become worse at this time making access to medical care difficult. Facilities andmeasures should thus be put in place to provide adequate medical care for these patients during thatperiod of the yea