Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 20.5 million deaths annually and posing a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, rapid urbanization, population aging, changing lifestyles, and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors have contributed to a rising burden of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and cardiomyopathies

Aims

To assess the impact of gender and seasonal variation on indications for echocardiography

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed echocardiographic referral records of 381 patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography in Southern Nigeria. Data collected included gender, season of presentation, and clinical indications for referral

Results

A total of 381 patients were included, comprising 292 males (76.6%) and 89 females (23.4%). Referrals were slightly higher during the rainy season (53.0%) than the dry season (47.0%). The most common indications for echocardiography were fitness assessment (29.1%), hypertensive heart disease (26.0%), hypertension (15.2%), and ischemic heart disease (10.0%). 

Conclusion

Gender significantly influences clinical indications for echocardiographic referral in Southern Nigeria, whereas seasonal variation appears to exert minimal effect on referral patterns. Hypertension-related cardiovascular disorders remain the predominant disorder induced reason for echocardiographic evaluation

Keywords: Echocardiography; Cardiovascular Disease; Hypertensive Heart Disease; Gender.