TITLE:
Characteristics of Heart Failure in Women in an African Cardiology Context
AUTHORS:
Traoré Fatoumata Diaby, Boka Ahoundjaut Ohono Benedicte Carine, Angoran Inès, Micesse Akoto Tanoh, Kouakou N’goran Yves N’da, N’cho-Mottoh Marie Paule, Avoh Ami Echua Manzan, Ehouman Esther, Camara Zenabou, Daniogo Mbe, Keita Massendje Sara, Iklo Coulibaly
KEYWORDS:
Epidemiology, Heart Failure, Women, Sub-Saharan Africa
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
19,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: We describe the characteristics of heart failure in women in order to contribute to the improvement of therapeutic management. Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study included women aged 18 years and older with heart failure, diagnosed based on clinical, radiological, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic criteria. A total of 236 women were included, representing 48.2% of the 490 patients hospitalized for heart failure in the medical ward during the study period. Results: The hospitalization rate for women with heart failure was 48.2%. The mean age was 51.5 years ± 18.9 years. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were hypertension (53%) and diabetes (20.4%). 51.1% of patients were admitted in NYHA class IV, and 54.8% of these had global heart failure. The predominant etiologies were hypertensive heart disease (35.1%), followed by dilated cardiomyopathy (19%) and peripartum cardiomyopathy (18.4%). The main factors contributing to decompensation were bronchopulmonary infections (36%) and non-adherence to treatment (23.8%). Electrocardiographic abnormalities were exacerbated by left ventricular hypertrophy (60.6%) and atrial fibrillation (43.2%). Transthoracic echocardiography most often revealed impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (61.4%). Medical treatment primarily consisted of loop diuretics (95.3%), ACE inhibitors (73.3%), and beta-blockers (72.9%). The mortality rate was estimated at 6.4%. Conclusion: Beyond its impact on morbidity and mortality, the proportion of heart failure is becoming increasingly high among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention requires addressing all cardiovascular risk factors.