Tobacco Smoking and Cardiovascular Health in Africa: Trends, Interventions, and Policy Implications-A Narrative Review

Background and aims: Tobacco smoking in Africa presents a significant public health challenge, particularly concerning cardiovascular health among young adults and men. While global smoking prevalence has declined, World Health Organization (WHO) projections estimate that the total number of tobacco smokers in Africa will rise from 57 million in 2015 to 67 million by 2025. This trend compounds the region's existing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This narrative review aims to analyze tobacco smoking trends, elucidate the link between smoking and CVDs, evaluate implemented interventions, and assess policy responses across African nations.