Rheumatic heart disease in the heart of Himalayas

Rheumatic heart disease results from the damage to heart valves caused by one or more episodes of rheumatic fever leading to a variety of cardiac complications. Although less common in developed parts of the world, it is one of the most common acquired heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries including Nepal, affecting children and young people. Primary prevention with prompt treatment of streptococcal throat infections and long-term secondary antibiotic prophylaxis with benzathine penicillin G are the key intervention strategies. Echocardiography based screening in schoolchildren has become an effective measure for early identification of the cases. More coordinated policies and effective interventions are needed to successfully decrease the burden of the rheumatic heart disease in resource limited settings like Nepal.