The emerging problem of coronary heart disease in Kenya.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on coronary heart disease (CHD) and its electrocardiogram (ECG) manifestations in Eastern Africa and provide medical education by increasing awareness and strengthening recognition skills of myocardial infarction (MI) through discussion of key features from representative ECGs selected from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) ECG service in Eldoret, Kenya.


METHODS
Peer reviewed published articles found using a Medline search. ECGs were reproduced with one complex from each of the 12 standard leads, without patient's name or other identifying information.


CONCLUSIONS
CHD and its risk factors are increasing in prevalence in Eastern Africa over recent years. The ECG remains integral to the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes, including MI. Representative ECGs from MTRH demonstrate the various features of the common anatomical distributions of MI, enabling medical education. Recognition of CHD and its ECG manifestations is one step on the path to decreasing resultant morbidity and mortality.
Jablonski-Cohen
M S
MS
Moi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 4606 Eldoret, Kenya.
Kosgei
R J
RJ
Rerimoi
A J
AJ
Mamlin
J J
JJ
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors