SARS-CoV 2 Infection (Covid-19) and Cardiovascular Disease in Africa: Health Care and Socio-Economic Implications
Okechukwu S. Ogah,
Ejiroghene M. Umuerri,
Adewole Adebiyi,
Olanike A. Orimolade,
Mahmoud U. Sani,
Dike B. Ojji,
Amam C. Mbakwem,
Simon Stewart,
Karen Sliwa
Affiliations
Okechukwu S. Ogah
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria/Department of Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan; Institute of Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, NG; Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
Ejiroghene M. Umuerri
Department of Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State Nigeria/Department of Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State
Adewole Adebiyi
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria/Department of Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan
Olanike A. Orimolade
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria/Department of Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan
Mahmoud U. Sani
Department of Medicine Bayero University Kano & Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital, Kano, NG; Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
Dike B. Ojji
Department of Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria/Department of Medicine, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, NG; Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
Amam C. Mbakwem
Department of Medicine, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria/Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos, NG; Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
Simon Stewart
Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, AU; Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
Karen Sliwa
Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
The current pandemic of SARS-COV 2 infection (Covid-19) is challenging health systems and communities worldwide. At the individual level, the main biological system involved in Covid-19 is the respiratory system. Respiratory complications range from mild flu-like illness symptoms to a fatal respiratory distress syndrome or a severe and fulminant pneumonia. Critically, the presence of a pre-existing cardiovascular disease or its risk factors, such as hypertension or type II diabetes mellitus, increases the chance of having severe complications (including death) if infected by the virus. In addition, the infection can worsen an existing cardiovascular disease or precipitate new ones. This paper presents a contemporary review of cardiovascular complications of Covid-19. It also specifically examines the impact of the disease on those already vulnerable and on the poorly resourced health systems of Africa as well as the potential broader consequences on the socio-economic health of this region.
