The Challenge of Improving Outcomes After a Myocardial Infarction in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

There is a growing burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which is bound to rise given the high prevalence and poor control of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension.1,2 Herman and colleagues, in the article, “30-day and 1-year outcomes of myocardial infarction in Cote d’Ivoire” discuss outcomes following admission to critical care among patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) presenting to a well-equipped tertiary center in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.3 The study is an important addition to the literature in a region that is greatly under-represented in studies of CAD and helps to highlight the unique challenges faced in managing MI in this population setup.