AFRICA CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA • Kenya Cardiac Society July 2023 16 Submission ID: 20 ROLE OF CLINICAL OFFICERS-CARDIOLOGY IN PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY MASESE CHARLES, MUHIA MAUREEN THE KAREN HOSPITAL MEDICAL TRAINING COLLEGEDEPARTMENT OF CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIAC PERFUSION Background The prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving various healthcare professionals. Clinical officers play a crucial role in the prevention of CVDs due to their unique skill set and accessibility in health care systems. Kenya is a low-middle income country, as indicated by the World Bank (2018), with 72.5% of its people living in rural areas. Kenya had an average of 1.6 physicians and 2.3 clinical officers per 10 000 of the population in 2018/19 .As of 2023 there are about 30 clinical officers trained in cardiology, indicating shortage in preventive cardiology. Methodology This study adopts a descriptive research design through comprehensive literature review. To provide an overview of the role of clinical officers specialized in cardiology in preventive cardiology. Results Clinical officers-cardiology have become indispensible in the field of preventive cardiology. They possess required expertise to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, offer counseling on lifestyle modifications, and implement preventive interventions. Their crucial role in early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases significantly prevents progression to severe cardiovascular events. Additionally, they exhibit proficiency in conducting cardiac screenings, interpreting diagnostic tests and appropriately referring patients for specialized care. The integration of clinical officers-cardiology enhances accessibility and delivery of preventive cardiology services leading to improved patient outcome and reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Conclusion The integration of clinical officers-cardiology in preventive cardiology proves to be an effective strategy in addressing the growing burden of CVDs especially in resource limited settings. By working collaboratively with other health care professionals, clinical officers’ cardiology enhances the accessibility and delivery of preventive cardiology services. Inclusion of clinical officer specialized in cardiology in all levels of healthcare as per the Kenya National Guidelines for CVDs Management. Results We have held one online training course and one research skills strengthening workshop. Both activities were oversubscribed. Participants have originated from West, Central and East Africa. Feedback received from participants in both courses was overwhelmingly positive. Conclusion The training activities have been well received by the participants and have the potential to improve the skills of African researchers. More activities are planned during the course of the project. Submission ID: 21 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA AND HYPERTENSION: A SINGLE CLINIC EXPERIENCE K MWAZO, B NDUATI Background The relationship between OSA and hypertension has garnered substantial research and clinical attention with numerous studies showing a strong and bidirectional relationship between them. We aim to present findings from a single clinic experience that further illustrates this relationship. Method We did a retrospective analysis of 26 patients who underwent a sleep Holter test at our clinic within the last 3 years who had a history of snoring/disordered sleep. The patient characteristics were as below: Mean age was 56.2 years. with a median of 55 years. Mean BMI was 34.7 with a median of 32.5. The mean AHI was 16.1. with 73% having AHI above 15. Findings 73% of the patients had significant OSA, highlighting the high prevalence of OSA among individuals with a history of snoring or disordered sleep. The study also indicates a significant prevalence of comorbidities among the analyzed patients suggesting a potential complex relationship between OSA and these comorbidities. The high prevalence of hypertension among patients with OSA is noteworthy. It’s therefore important for clinicians to inquire about the sleep quality in patients with hypertension. A sleep holter should be considered for all patients with sleep-disordered breathing or resistant/poorly controlled hypertension. The mean BMI of 34.7 suggests that the patients, on average, were obese aligning with the well-established association between obesity and OSA. Conclusion Identifying and treating OSA in patients with hypertension is crucial, as effective management of OSA may contribute to better control of blood pressure and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. CPAP is a commonly prescribed treatment for OSA that helps keep the airway open during sleep Further research may be needed to explore potential treatment approaches that address both OSA and the associated comorbidities.
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