Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, with 19.8 million deaths recorded in 2022, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. The rapid increase in modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia in developing countries highlights the need for early screening strategies. A study conducted in Conakry aimed to assess the cardiovascular profile and estimate the overall cardiovascular risk of patients screened during a systematic screening day.
The study, conducted on November 2, 2025, included 474 patients who participated in a systematic diabetes screening day. The patients' sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biological data were collected. The results showed a mean age of 45 years, with a female predominance of 68%. The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was 85% and 84%, respectively.
Obesity and overweight affected 37% and 29% of patients, respectively. The majority of patients had high (52%) or moderate (47%) cardiovascular risk, while only 1.7% had low risk. The cardiovascular risk was estimated using the WHO/ISH score and categorized as low ( 10%), moderate (10-20%), and high (≥20%).
The study's findings highlight the urgent need for early screening and primary prevention strategies, particularly among women and young people, to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Guinea. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are a significant public health concern, with most deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The study's results are consistent with previous research, which has shown a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in African countries. A systematic review of cardiometabolic risk factors among African university students found a high prevalence of risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
The study's authors emphasize the need for strengthened early screening and primary prevention strategies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Guinea. The findings also highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health and disparities in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
The study was published in the Journal of Health Sciences and Diseases, a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on health sciences and diseases. The study's authors used a descriptive cross-sectional design and collected data from patients who participated in a systematic diabetes screening day.
Key points
- The study found a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among diabetic patients in Conakry, with 52% having high cardiovascular risk.
- The majority of patients had high or moderate cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for early screening and primary prevention strategies.
- The study's findings emphasize the urgent need for strengthened early screening and primary prevention strategies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Guinea.
