Prevalence and pattern of ischemic heart disease in northwestern Nigeria: An echocardiography registry-based study

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, data on its prevalence and echocardiographic patterns in northwestern Nigeria remain scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study determines the prevalence and echocardiographic patterns of IHD among patients undergoing echocardiography at Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 841 echocardiographic data was conducted from September 2022 to February 2025. Patients diagnosed with IHD based on clinical and echocardiographic features were identified. Parameters analyzed included demographic data, regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA), left ventricular (LV) geometry, systolic and diastolic function, and complications. RESULTS: Among 841 patients who had echocardiography, 46 had IHD, giving a prevalence of 5.4%. The mean age was 55 ± 15 years, with a male predominance (61%) and male:female ratio of 3:2. Anteroseptal wall (47.8%) and septal wall (32.6%) were the most common RWMA seen. Eccentric LV hypertrophy was the predominant geometric pattern (36.9%). Systolic dysfunction was found in 84.8% of patients and diastolic dysfunction in 86.9%, with type I dysfunction being most common (54.3%). Pulmonary hypertension and pericardial effusion were present in 19% and 15% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: IHD constitutes a significant portion of echocardiographic diagnoses in northwestern Nigeria. The high burden of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and the presence of remodeling underscore the need for early detection and intervention strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risk with improved cardiac care infrastructure in the region.