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Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects of Hypertensive Patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad

Received: 15 July 2026     Accepted: 25 July 2026     Published: 20 August 2026
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Abstract

Introduction and objective: Hypertension is a major global public health problem and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide due to its prevalence and complications. The objective of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of hypertensive patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a 12-month period from June 1st, 2023 to May 31st, 2024. The study included all medical records of hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older who were on follow up in the Cardiology Department and that underwent an electrocardiogram and a Doppler echocardiogram. We examined sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic variables. Results: A total of 322 records were collected. The patient population was predominantly male, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 55.6 years. Civil servants accounted for 33.2% of cases. The main cardiovascular risk factors identified were diabetes (21.4%), obesity (21%), and dyslipidemia (18.6%). Functionally, Dieulafoy’s neurosensory signs were the most common, at 52.4%. The most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs were calcium channel blockers (62.4%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (49.1%). On electrocardiogram, the most common abnormalities were atrial hypertrophy (16.1%) and ventricular hypertrophy (13.6%). Cardiac arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation was observed in 3.4% of cases. On echocardiography, the most common abnormalities were ventricular hypertrophy (32.3%), left atrial dilation (14.6%), and reduced left ventricular systolic function (7.1%). Conclusion: In this study, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in hypertensive patients were dominated by left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial dilation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These abnormalities were most common in patients with long-standing, uncontrolled hypertension.

Published in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research (Volume 10, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14
Page(s) 49-54
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Electrocardiogram, Echocardiography, Hypertension, N’Djamena

1. Introduction
Hypertension is a major global public health problem. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It affects one in four adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age . Similarly, uncontrolled hypertension, is a powerful, independent risk factor significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, which can lead to various adverse clinical conditions such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, kidney failure, and cerebrovascular disease . It is estimated that hypertension affects 1.28 billion people worldwide, and most of them reside in low- and middle-income countries, including regions across sub-Saharan Africa where prevalence is rapidly climbing. Approximately 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition . In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence has been estimated to be at 28.3%. In Côte d’Ivoire, this prevalence rose from 21% in 2006 to 33.4% in 2016 . In Chad, the prevalence of hypertension varies, ranging from 22.28% in 2021 to 38.6% and 43.8% in 2023. However, in Chad, there is little data on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings in hypertensive patients. Hence our objective is to conduct a preliminary study to determine these characteristics in hypertensive patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center.
2. Patients and Methods
2.1. Type and Setting of the Study
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection that was conducted in the Cardiology Department at the Renaissance University Hospital Center, over a 12-month period from June 1st, 2023 to May 31st, 2024.
In this study, we included all records of hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older who were on follow up in the Cardiology Department and that underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) and Doppler echocardiogram. Incomplete records were excluded. Data collection was performed using a pre-established form.
2.2. Variables Studied
1) Sociodemographic: age, sex, occupation, associated cardiovascular risk factors, place of origin.
2) Clinical: characteristics of hypertension (duration, severity, treatment adherence), functional symptoms (chest pain, dyspnea, headaches, dizziness, phosphenes, tinnitus, palpitations, etc.), and physical signs of heart failure.
3) Paraclinical tests: ECG (arrhythmias such as 'atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial and ventricular extrasystoles, atrioventricular or intracardiac blocks, atrial and ventricular hypertrophy), Doppler echocardiogram (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, ventricular dilation, left ventricular hypertrophy), blood electrolyte levels, creatinine, urea, blood glucose, lipid profile, uric acid, BNP (brain natriuretic peptide).
4) Therapeutic agents: antihypertensives (thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers [CCBs], angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE inhibitors], angiotensin II receptor blockers [ARBs], centrally acting agents).
The echocardiographic criteria are those of the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging .
2.3. Statistical Analysis
We used Microsoft Office 2019 for data entry and SPSS V26 for data analysis. The results were presented in figures and tables. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as percentages. The Chi-square test was used to compare variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
2.4. Declaration of Ethics
The study complied with the Declaration of Helsinki.
3. Results
3.1. Epidemiological Characteristics
A total of 322 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority were male, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 55.6 ±13.2 years, ranging from 23 to 91 years. Patients aged 60 years and older were the most common, accounting for 34.2% of cases. Civil servants accounted for 33.2% of cases. The main cardiovascular risk factors associated with high blood pressure were diabetes (21.4%), obesity (21%) and dyslipidemia (18.6%) (Table 1).
Table 1. Patients Characteristics.

Settings

Number (n)

Percentage (%)

Sex

Men

137

43

Women

185

57

Age (year)

Means

55.6

18 – 29

3

0.9

30 – 39

41

12.7

40 – 49

69

21.4

50 – 59

99

30.7

60 et plus

110

32.4

Profession

Civil servant

107

33.2

Commerçant

39

12.1

Farmer

2

0.6

Housewife

97

30.1

Other

77

23.9

Cardiovascular risk factors

Diabetes

69

21.4

Obesity

67

21

Dyslipidemia

60

18.6

Smoking

16

5

Kidney failure

9

3

3.2. Clinical and Therapeutic Characteristics of Hypertension
Symptomatically, Dieulafoy's neurosensory signs were the most frequent, occurring in 52.4% (n=169). Patients also complained of exertional dyspnea, chest pain, and palpitations occurring in 22% (n=70), 19% (n=61) and 8.4% (n=27) of cases, respectively.
Regarding the characteristics of hypertension, the duration was predominantly more than 5 years (34.8%), and patients adhered to their treatment regularly in only 42.2% of cases. The majority of patients (72%) had elevated blood pressure, with 19.3% having grade 3 hypertension. Hypertension was controlled in only 28% of cases (Table 2).
Table 2. Characteristics of Hypertension.

Settings

Number (n)

Percentage (%)

Duration (years)

< 1

107

33.2

1 – 2

35

10.9

3 – 4

68

21.1

≥ 5

112

34.8

Severity

Controlled

90

28

Grade 1

99

30.7

Grade 2

71

22

Grade 3

62

19.3

Patient follow up

Yes

191

59.3

No

131

40.7

Therapeutic adherence

Regular

136

42.2

Irregular

186

57.8

The most frequently prescribed antihypertensive drugs (Figure 1) in patients were CCBs and ACE inhibitors, at 62.4% and 49.1% of cases, respectively, either as monotherapy (33.5%) or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. Dual therapy was the most frequently prescribed combination of antihypertensive drugs at 52.2% of cases, followed by triple therapy at 10.2% of cases and quadruple therapy at 1.2% of cases.
Figure 1. Antihypertensive medications.
3.3. Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Data
Electrocardiographic abnormalities were predominantly atrial (16.1%) and Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (13.6%). Complete arrhythmia due to fibrillation was observed in 19% of cases (Table 3).
Table 3. Electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Settings

Number (n)

Percentage (%)

Arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation

11

3.4

Atrial extrasystole

6

2

Atrial flutter

2

0.6

Ventricular extrasystole

15

4.6

Conduction disorder

1st degree AV block

21

6.5

2nd degree AV block

3

0.9

3rd degree AV block

2

0.6

Hypertrophy

Left atrial appendage

52

16.1

Right atrial appendage

3

0.9

Left ventricular

44

13.6

Right ventricular

1

0.3

On echocardiography, the most noted abnormalities were LVH with 32.3% of cases, of which 17.1% of cases were concentric, left atrial dilation in 14.6% of cases, left ventricular (LV) dilation in 10.2% of cases and reduced LV systolic function in 7.1% of cases (Table 4).
Table 4. Echocardiographic abnormalities.

Settings

Number (n)

Percentage (%)

LVEF (%)

<40

23

7.1

40–49

17

5.3

>50

282

87.6

LV Diastolic Dysfunction

Yes

188

58.4

No

134

41.6

Cavity dilation

Left atrium

47

14.6

Right atrium

9

2.7

Left ventricle

33

10.2

Right ventricle

4

1.2

Proximal aorta

4

1.2

LV hypertrophy

Concentric

55

17.1

Eccentric

49

15.2

LVH was correlated with the duration of hypertension (p = 0.03) (Table 5). However, there was no significant statistical association between the occurrence of LVH, sex, age, blood pressure control, and therapeutic class (p > 0.05).
Table 5. Correlation between left ventricular hypertrophy and duration of hypertension.

LVH

Duration of hypertension (years)

p

< 1

1 - 2

3 - 4

≥ 5

Total

Yes

33

5

21

45

104

0.03

No

74

30

47

67

218

Total

107

35

68

112

322

4. Discussion
4.1. Keys Findings
In this study, the mean age of the patients was 55.6 years. This result is similar to those of Ouédraogo et al. in Burkina Faso in 2021, and those of Ikama et al. in Congo in 2019, who found mean ages of 57.45 and 54.7 years, respectively . This age homogeneity suggests that hypertension increases with age, linked to vascular aging and risk factors accumulated over time. The majority of patients were male, representing 57.5% of cases. This male predominance was also found in some African series, notably Ikama et al. in Congo in 2019 and Abdelmadjid et al. in Chad in 2021, who found 55.2% and 56% of cases, respectively . These results could be explained by the fact that male sex is indeed a cardiovascular risk factor.
The most common cardiovascular risk factors are diabetes (21.4%), obesity (21%), and dyslipidemia (18.6%). These findings are also observed in certain African studies, notably that of Brouri et al. in Algeria in 2018, which found out that 25% of cases of hypertension were associated with diabetes. Benyaich et al. in Morocco in 2025 and Jacques et al. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2023 found prevalence rates of obesity of 16.3% and of 16.6%, respectively. El Boukhrissi et al., in Morocco in 2017, found a prevalence of dyslipidemia of 18% . This similarity in prevalence could be explained by the epidemiological transition currently underway in African countries, which is exposing our populations to cardiovascular risk factors.
Dieulafoy’s neurosensory signs and dyspnea were the most common symptoms, accounting for 52.44% and 27.3% of cases, respectively, followed by chest pain (18.9%) and palpitations (8.4%). In a 2016 study conducted in Senegal, Sarr et al. found a prevalence of chest pain (5.3%) and palpitations (12.5%) . This highlights the inadequate control of hypertension in our setting.
On electrocardiographic examination, the abnormalities were predominantly atrial hypertrophy (16.1%) and LVH (13.6%). Several authors have reported comparable results in various series . Indeed, these abnormalities reflect the impact of hypertension, which leads to left ventricular remodeling with increased filling pressures and, consequently, also affects the left atrium. The ECG remains a simple, accessible, and inexpensive tool for detecting complications of hypertension. Although the ECG has a high specificity of 90%, its sensitivity remains low at 30% for detecting LVH compared to echocardiography .
The ECG also revealed other abnormalities, such as ventricular arrhythmias characterized by ventricular premature beats (4.6%). These are exacerbated by hypertension; they are often benign but may be malignant depending on the severity of the hypertension. At the supraventricular level, atrial fibrillation is the most common (3.4%). It increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, particularly strokes. Hypertension is a risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation, especially with advancing age .
Doppler echocardiography is an important tool for assessing, among other things, cardiac function and heart damage associated with hypertension. It is more specific and, above all, more sensitive than an ECG for detecting LVH with the calculation of LV mass index and an assessment of LV geometry .
In our study, the most common echocardiographic abnormalities were LVH (32.3%), left atrial dilation (14.6%), LV dilation (10.2%), LV diastolic dysfunction (58.4%), and reduced LV systolic function (7.1%). LVEF remains preserved for a long time in the majority of cases despite chronic hypertension, although impairment may occur over time.
Hypertension remains to be the most common cause of LVH, which is found in 30% of patients with hypertension. It leads to remodeling and subsequently concentric hypertrophy due to an increase in LV afterload . Although LVH initially represents to be an adaptive process, it has adverse consequences over time. It is now recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality . In this series, LVH is correlated with the duration of hypertension (p = 0.03) in patients with hypertension who are often uncontrolled. Indeed, long-standing, poorly controlled hypertension remains the most significant factor in the development of LVH.
These echocardiographic abnormalities are common in patients with hypertension. They characterize hypertensive heart disease, which can progress to complications, particularly heart failure .
Properly managed antihypertensive therapy can reduce LV mass and, consequently, improve the patient’s prognosis .
4.2. Limitations of Our Study
First, this was a single-center study. Second, there was a lack of echocardiographic and laboratory data in many of the patient records.
5. Conclusion
In this study, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with hypertension are primarily characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial and left ventricular dilation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These abnormalities are more common in patients with long-standing, uncontrolled hypertension.
6. Recommendations
We suggest promoting screening, therapeutic education, and early management of hypertension, along with facilitating access to antihypertensive treatment. These measures can help prevent the occurrence of these complications.
Abbreviations

ECG

Electrocardiogram

BNP

Brain Natriuretic Peptide

CCBs

Calcium Channel Blockers

ACE

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme

ARBs

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

LV

Left Ventricular

LVH

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

EF

Ejection Fraction

Author Contributions
Ali Adam Ahamat: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Doune Narcisse: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Mariam Seid Adelroudjal: Data collection, Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing
Brahim Aware: Data collection, Formal analysis
Houba Urbain: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Mbaidedjim Sylvain: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Yusra Aboulbachar: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
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[5] Ali AA, Kaboré A, Doune N, et al. Cross-sectional study on the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension in the context of mass screening conducted among adult volunteers at the Renaissance University Hospital Center. 2022; 6(1): 1-4.
[6] Abdelmadjid Z, Ahamat A, Fouksouna S, et al. Prevalence Hospital of Arterial Hypertension in the Cardiology Departement of the National Reference of Teaching Hopspital. CCR. 2023; 5(2): 80-94.
[7] Ali AA, Doune N, Kaboré A, et al. Prevalence of hypertension in N'Djamena, Chad: Screening campaign among adult volunteers from the general population J Cardio Res. 2023; 188(25): 3-4.
[8] Lang RM, Badano LP, Mor-Avi V, et al. Recommendations for cardiac chamber quantification by echocardiography in adults: an update from the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2015; 28: 1-39.
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[16] Pose-Reino A, González J JR, Pastor C, et al. Myocardial structure and study of arrhythmias during ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in mild essential hypertension. Med Clin (Barc). 1996 Jan; 106(1): 7-10.
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    Ahamat, A. A., Narcisse, D., Adelroudjal, M. S., Aware, B., Urbain, H., et al. (2026). Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects of Hypertensive Patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad. Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research, 10(3), 49-54. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14

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    Ahamat, A. A.; Narcisse, D.; Adelroudjal, M. S.; Aware, B.; Urbain, H., et al. Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects of Hypertensive Patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad. Cardiol. Cardiovasc. Res. 2026, 10(3), 49-54. doi: 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14

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    AMA Style

    Ahamat AA, Narcisse D, Adelroudjal MS, Aware B, Urbain H, et al. Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects of Hypertensive Patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad. Cardiol Cardiovasc Res. 2026;10(3):49-54. doi: 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14,
      author = {Ali Adam Ahamat and Doune Narcisse and Mariam Seid Adelroudjal and Brahim Aware and Houba Urbain and Mbaidedjim Sylvain and Yusra Aboulbachar},
      title = {Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects of Hypertensive Patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad},
      journal = {Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {49-54},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ccr.20261003.14},
      abstract = {Introduction and objective: Hypertension is a major global public health problem and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide due to its prevalence and complications. The objective of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of hypertensive patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a 12-month period from June 1st, 2023 to May 31st, 2024. The study included all medical records of hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older who were on follow up in the Cardiology Department and that underwent an electrocardiogram and a Doppler echocardiogram. We examined sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic variables. Results: A total of 322 records were collected. The patient population was predominantly male, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 55.6 years. Civil servants accounted for 33.2% of cases. The main cardiovascular risk factors identified were diabetes (21.4%), obesity (21%), and dyslipidemia (18.6%). Functionally, Dieulafoy’s neurosensory signs were the most common, at 52.4%. The most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs were calcium channel blockers (62.4%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (49.1%). On electrocardiogram, the most common abnormalities were atrial hypertrophy (16.1%) and ventricular hypertrophy (13.6%). Cardiac arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation was observed in 3.4% of cases. On echocardiography, the most common abnormalities were ventricular hypertrophy (32.3%), left atrial dilation (14.6%), and reduced left ventricular systolic function (7.1%). Conclusion: In this study, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in hypertensive patients were dominated by left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial dilation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These abnormalities were most common in patients with long-standing, uncontrolled hypertension.},
     year = {2026}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects of Hypertensive Patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad
    AU  - Ali Adam Ahamat
    AU  - Doune Narcisse
    AU  - Mariam Seid Adelroudjal
    AU  - Brahim Aware
    AU  - Houba Urbain
    AU  - Mbaidedjim Sylvain
    AU  - Yusra Aboulbachar
    Y1  - 2026/08/20
    PY  - 2026
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14
    T2  - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
    JF  - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
    JO  - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
    SP  - 49
    EP  - 54
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2578-8914
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ccr.20261003.14
    AB  - Introduction and objective: Hypertension is a major global public health problem and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide due to its prevalence and complications. The objective of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of hypertensive patients at the Renaissance University Hospital Center in N'Djamena, Chad. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a 12-month period from June 1st, 2023 to May 31st, 2024. The study included all medical records of hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older who were on follow up in the Cardiology Department and that underwent an electrocardiogram and a Doppler echocardiogram. We examined sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic variables. Results: A total of 322 records were collected. The patient population was predominantly male, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 55.6 years. Civil servants accounted for 33.2% of cases. The main cardiovascular risk factors identified were diabetes (21.4%), obesity (21%), and dyslipidemia (18.6%). Functionally, Dieulafoy’s neurosensory signs were the most common, at 52.4%. The most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs were calcium channel blockers (62.4%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (49.1%). On electrocardiogram, the most common abnormalities were atrial hypertrophy (16.1%) and ventricular hypertrophy (13.6%). Cardiac arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation was observed in 3.4% of cases. On echocardiography, the most common abnormalities were ventricular hypertrophy (32.3%), left atrial dilation (14.6%), and reduced left ventricular systolic function (7.1%). Conclusion: In this study, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in hypertensive patients were dominated by left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial dilation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These abnormalities were most common in patients with long-standing, uncontrolled hypertension.
    VL  - 10
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Cardiology Department, Renaissance University Hospital Center, N'Djamena, Chad;Department of Medicine Faculty of Human Health Sciences, N’Djamena-University, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Cardiology Department, Renaissance University Hospital Center, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Cardiology Department, Renaissance University Hospital Center, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Cardiology Department, Renaissance University Hospital Center, N'Djamena, Chad;Department of Medicine Faculty of Human Health Sciences, N’Djamena-University, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Department of Medicine Faculty of Human Health Sciences, N’Djamena-University, N'Djamena, Chad;Cardiology Department, National Reference University Hospital, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Cardiology Department, Renaissance University Hospital Center, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Cardiology Department, Renaissance University Hospital Center, N'Djamena, Chad

  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Document Sections

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Patients and Methods
    3. 3. Results
    4. 4. Discussion
    5. 5. Conclusion
    6. 6. Recommendations
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  • Abbreviations
  • Author Contributions
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • References
  • Cite This Article
  • Author Information