Abstract Body: Background: Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis (CM/MC) are significant cardiovascular burdens in Africa. Understanding their temporal trends is crucial for public health strategies and resource allocation. This study analyzed regional and sex-specific trends in CM/MC mortality, incidence, and disability across African regions from 1990 to 2019.
Methods: CM/MC data (1990-2019) for African countries from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Results Tool were analyzed. Trends in age-standardized death rates, incidence rates, and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) per 100,000 population were examined. Data were assessed for the African Union and five subregions (Northern, Eastern, Central, Southern, Western Africa). Sex-specific trends were evaluated at the African Union level.
Results: For the African Union (1990-2019), the CM/MC death rate (both sexes) fell from 5 to 3.4 per 100,000. Males consistently had higher death rates. Conversely, the CM/MC incidence rate for the African Union rose from ~10.7 to 11.3 per 100,000. Males had higher incidence, with upward trends for both sexes. YLDs from CM/MC for the African Union increased from 5.3 to 6 per 100,000, males having higher rates. Regional variations were significant. Death rates mostly declined, though Western and Central Africa started high. Incidence rates rose across all regions, notably in Northern Africa (9.3 to 10.4 per 100,000). YLD rates also increased continent-wide, with Eastern and Southern Africa high by 2019. Northern Africa had the lowest death and YLD rates but still experienced rising incidence and YLDs.
Conclusion: Although CM/MC death rates in Africa fell (1990-2019), the overall burden grew, shown by rising incidence and YLD rates. Males consistently had higher rates across all metrics. These findings reveal the increasing impact of non-fatal CM/MC outcomes, highlighting the need for enhanced, tailored prevention, early detection, and management strategies for regional and sex-specific patterns in Africa.