Optimizing the management of acute coronary syndromes in sub-Saharan Africa: A statement from the AFRICARDIO 2015 Consensus Team.

Background: Whereas the coronary artery disease death rate has declined in high-income countries, the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, where their management remains a challenge.

Aim: To propose a consensus statement to optimize management of ACS in sub-Saharan Africa on the basis of realistic considerations.

Methods: The AFRICARDIO-2 conference (Yamoussoukro, May 2015) reviewed the ongoing features of ACS in 10 sub-Saharan countries (Benin, Burkina-Faso, Congo-Brazzaville, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Togo), and analysed whether improvements in strategies and policies may be expected using readily available healthcare facilities.

The VALVAFRIC study: A registry of rheumatic heart disease in Western and Central Africa.

Background: There are few African data available on rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Aim: To provide data on the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with RHD hospitalized in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: The VALVAFRIC study is a multicentre hospital-based retrospective registry of patients with RHD hospitalized in African cardiology departments from 2004 to 2008.