1. Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and Kenya is no exception. Traditionally, infectious diseases were the dominant public health challenge in Kenya, but the past few decades have seen a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers.
CVDs are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, leading to conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease (heart attack), stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias. These diseases are often preventable, yet they account for nearly 50% of all NCD-related deaths globally.
Why Are Cardiovascular Diseases on the Rise in Kenya?
- Urbanization and lifestyle changes: More people are consuming processed foods, engaging in less physical activity, and experiencing increased stress.
- Poor dietary habits: High consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of hypertension and stroke.
- Limited access to healthcare: Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure or other risk factors until they develop complications.
This lecture explores hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, focusing on their causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
2.1 What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, leading to long-term damage to blood vessels and organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. It is often called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms until complications arise.
2.2 Risk Factors for Hypertension
- Modifiable factors (lifestyle-related):
- Unhealthy diet (high salt and fat intake)
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Non-modifiable factors (cannot be changed):
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Genetics and family history
- Ethnicity (higher prevalence among people of African descent)
2.3 Symptoms of Hypertension
- Most people do not experience symptoms, but severe cases may present with:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
2.4 Complications of Untreated Hypertension
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to:
- Heart attack and stroke due to blood vessel damage
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss due to damage to eye blood vessels
- Heart failure (the heart struggles to pump blood effectively)
2.5 Prevention and Management of Hypertension
- Adopt a healthy diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing salt and unhealthy fats.
- Increase physical activity: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce alcohol and quit smoking.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Take prescribed medications (for those diagnosed with hypertension).
3. Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Arrhythmias)
3.1 What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart’s structure and function. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
3.2 Types of Heart Disease
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowed arteries restrict blood flow, causing chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.
- Heart Failure: The heart becomes too weak to pump blood efficiently.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia).
3.3 Symptoms of Heart Disease
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs (in heart failure cases)
- Dizziness and fainting (in arrhythmias)
3.4 Causes and Risk Factors of Heart Disease
- Unhealthy diet (high cholesterol and trans fats)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
3.5 Prevention and Treatment
- Control hypertension and cholesterol levels.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids).
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
- Take prescribed medications (statins, beta-blockers, etc.).
- Surgical interventions (in severe cases, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be needed).
4. Stroke
4.1 What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell death. It can be caused by:
- Ischemic stroke (blocked artery, most common type).
- Hemorrhagic stroke (ruptured blood vessel in the brain).
4.2 Symptoms of Stroke (FAST)
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm weakness or numbness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services immediately
4.3 Risk Factors for Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
4.4 Stroke Prevention and Treatment
- Lower blood pressure through diet and medication.
- Control diabetes and cholesterol levels.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a balanced diet.
- Seek emergency treatment (clot-busting drugs can prevent permanent brain damage).
5. Challenges in Managing Cardiovascular Diseases in Kenya
- Lack of awareness (many people do not know they have high blood pressure).
- Limited access to specialized healthcare.
- High cost of medications and treatment.
- Lifestyle changes are difficult to implement in urban settings.
End of Lecture Quiz
-
Which of the following is a major risk factor for hypertension?
A) Low salt intake
B) Physical inactivity ✅
C) Eating fruits and vegetables
D) High water consumption -
What is the most common cause of coronary artery disease?
A) Viral infection
B) Plaque buildup in the arteries ✅
C) Drinking too much water
D) High protein intake -
Which of the following is a warning sign of a stroke?
A) Runny nose
B) Leg cramps
C) Face drooping ✅
D) Hiccups
Further Reading & Resources
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Diseases: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases
- American Heart Association (AHA): https://www.heart.org
- Kenya Ministry of Health – Non-Communicable Diseases Unit: https://www.health.go.ke
Key Takeaways
- Hypertension, heart disease, and stroke are leading causes of death in Kenya.
- Poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, smoking, and physical inactivity increase the risk.
- Prevention is key: A healthy diet, exercise, and regular check-ups can reduce risks.
- Early diagnosis and treatment save lives.
