CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA • Vol 23, No 10, November 2012
540
AFRICA
centres, since many lives are saved using pacemakers as
therapy in post-surgical, paroxystic or permanent complete atrio-
ventricular blocks.
Conclusion
In undeveloped countries characterised by natural selection of
patients with complete atrio-ventricular block, mortality is high.
Lack of infrastructure, early detection and financial limitations
are the main problems faced in the follow up of these patients.
Re-organisation of the public health system, new programmes
of prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and government
subsidisation are needed in our milieu.
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