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Cited by 154Cardiovascular Health and Risk FactorsHealth Promotion and Cardiovascular PreventionDiabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

A time bomb of cardiovascular risk factors in South Africa: Results from the Heart of Soweto Study “Heart Awareness Days”

Tibazarwa, Kemi, Ntyintyane, Lucas, Sliwa, Karen, Gerntholtz, Trevor, Carrington, Melinda, Wilkinson, David, Stewart, Simon·2009·International Journal of Cardiology
DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.11.067
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Abstract

Background There is strong anecdotal evidence that many urban communities in Sub-Saharan Africa are in epidemiologic transition with the subsequent emergence of more affluent causes of heart disease. However, data to describe the risk factor profile of affected communities is limited.Methods During 9 community screening days undertaken in the predominantly Black African community of Soweto, South Africa (population 1 to 1.5 million) in 2006-2007, we examined the cardiovascular risk factor profile of volunteers. Screening comprised a combination of self-reported history and a clinical assessment that included calculation of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and random blood glucose and total cholesterol levels.Results In total, we screened a total of 1691 subjects (representing almost 0.2% of the total population). The majority (99%) were Black African, there were more women (65%) than men and the mean age was 46+/-14 years. Overall, 78% of subjects were found to have >or=1 major risk factor for heart disease. By far the most prevalent risk factor overall was obesity (43%) with significantly more obese women than men (23% versus 55%: OR 1.76 95% CI 1.62 to 1.91: p<0.001). A further 33% of subjects had high blood pressures (systolic or diastolic) and 13% an elevated (non-fasting) total blood cholesterol level: no statistically significant differences between the sexes were found. There was a positive correlation between increasing BMI and other risk factors including elevated systolic (r(2)=0.046, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r(2)=0.032, p<0.001) with overweight subjects three times more likely to have concurrent hypercholesterolemia (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1 to 5.3: p<0.01).Conclusions These unique pilot data strongly suggest a high prevalence of related risk factors for heart disease in this urban black African population in epidemiologic transition. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and to determine their true causes and potential consequences.

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Authors
Tibazarwa, K., Ntyintyane, L., Sliwa, K., Gerntholtz, T., Carrington, M., Wilkinson, D., & Stewart, S.
Affiliations
  • University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)
  • Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (AU)
  • The University of Queensland (AU)
Corresponding author
Stewart, Simon
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Cardiology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2009-02
Volume
132
Issue
2
Pages
233-239
ISSN
0167-5273 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.11.067
OpenAlex
W2043610326
Cited by
154
References
29
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 12
FWCI
7.76
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of Cardiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Bank (Australian Catholic University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiovascular Health and Risk Factors
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Health Promotion and Cardiovascular Prevention
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
Keywords
cardiovascular risk factors, epidemiological transition, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, body mass index, Soweto, community-based screening, sex differences in obesity, South Africa
MeSH terms
Cardiovascular Diseases, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, South Africa, Time Factors

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