Burden of cardiovascular disease in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1990-2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study.

INTRODUCTION: The rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reflects a major shift from communicable to noncommunicable diseases as primary health challenges. Consequently, this study aims to explore the burden of CVD and associated risk factors in SSA using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. METHODS: This study utilized data from the GBD 1990 to 2019 to examine CVD prevalence in 46 SSA countries. We employed Bayesian regression models, demographic techniques, and mortality-to-incidence ratios to analyze both prevalence and mortality rates. Additionally, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were computed, and various risk factors were examined using the GBD's comparative risk assessment framework. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, CVD raw counts in SSA rose by 131.7 %, with a 2.1 % increase in age-standardized prevalence rates. The most prevalent conditions were ischemic heart disease, stroke, and rheumatic heart disease. During the same period, the age-standardized CVD deaths per 100,000 individuals decreased from 314 (1990) to 269 (2019), reflecting a -14.4 % decline. Age-standardized CVD DALY rates also showed a decrease from 6,755 in 1990 to 5,476 in 2019, with translates to 18.9 % reduction. By 2019, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, and Lesotho were the countries with the highest age-standardized DALY rates for all CVDs. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a contrasting trend in SSA's CVD landscape: a decrease in age-standardized mortality and DALYs contrasts with increasing CVD prevalence, emphasizing the need for targeted public health strategies that balance treatment advancements with intensified prevention and control measures.

Cardiovascular disease burden in the Middle East and North Africa region.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. However, limited research has been conducted on the burden of CVD in this region. Our study aims to investigate the burden of CVD and related risk factors in the MENA. METHODS: We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 to examine CVD prevalence in 21 MENA countries. Prevalence and mortality were analyzed using Bayesian regression tools, demographic methods, and mortality-to-incidence ratios. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated, and risk factors were evaluated under the GBD's comparative risk assessment framework. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, CVD raw accounts in the MENA increased by 140.9%, while age standardized prevalence slightly decreased (-1.3%). CVD raw mortality counts rose by 78.3%, but age standardized death rates fell by 28%. Ischemic heart disease remained the most prevalent condition, with higher rates in men, while women had higher rates of CVA. Age standardized DALYs decreased by 32.54%. DALY rates varied across countries and were consistently higher in males. Leading risk factors included hypertension, high LDL-C, dietary risks, and elevated BMI.  The countries with the three highest DALYs in 2019 were Afghanistan, Egypt, and Yemen. CONCLUSIONS: While strides have been made in lessening the CVD burden in the MENA region, the toll on mortality and morbidity, particularly from ischemic heart disease, remains significant. Country-specific variations call for tailored interventions addressing socio-economic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and political stability.

Facemask wearing does not impact neuro-electrical brain activity.

Given the massive use of facemasks (FMs) during the covid-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of FMs wearing on overall health. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of surgical FM on brain neuro-electrical activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) background frequency (BGF) and background amplitude (BGA) was performed on 30 volunteers before (baseline), during and after wearing a FM for 60 min. Measurements were done during normal ventilation, hyperventilation and post-hyperventilation (PHVR). Blood gas levels were assessed at baseline and after FM use. EEG analysis concerning baseline (without FM) (BGA), was 47.69 ± 18.60 µV, wearing FM, BGA was 48.45 ± 17.79 µV, post FM use BGA was 48.08 ± 18.30 µV. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGA and BGA under FM and post FM. BGF, Baseline data were 10.27 ± 0.79, FM use 10.30 ± 0.76 and post FM use was 10.33 ± 0.76. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGF and BGF under FM and post FM. Venous blood gases, and peripheral oxygen saturation were not significantly affected by FM use. Short-term use of FM in young healthy individuals has no significant alteration impact on brain's neuro-electrical activity.