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Rheumatic Heart Disease: JACC Focus Seminar 2/4
Scott Dougherty1, Emmy Okello2, Jeremiah Mwangi3
1Department of Cardiology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong.
Insights
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable yet widespread cause of early death in young people globally. This review highlights recent progress in RHD epidemiology, diagnosis, and management, alongside future research needs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a significant global health issue, disproportionately affecting impoverished populations and causing substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in young individuals.
- Despite being preventable for decades, RHD persists due to factors like poverty, complex disease progression, inconsistent penicillin access, and a lack of coordinated efforts in endemic areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of the latest advancements in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
- To identify critical research questions concerning RHD pathophysiology, implementation barriers, and policy solutions for effective disease control.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current scientific literature and research findings on rheumatic heart disease.
- It incorporates recent epidemiological data, diagnostic innovations, and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Recent scientific interest has spurred advancements in understanding and addressing RHD.
- Progress has been made in epidemiological surveillance, diagnostic accuracy, and management protocols for RHD.
Conclusions:
- Despite challenges, renewed scientific focus offers optimism for combating RHD.
- Translating current knowledge into effective policy and management strategies is crucial for reducing the global burden of RHD.
Abstract:
It is a sad reality that although eminently preventable, and despite possessing such knowledge for >70 years, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the most common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and early mortality in young people worldwide. A disease of the poor, RHD is one of the most neglected diseases. Several challenges are unique to the acute rheumatic fever/RHD continuum and contribute to its persistence, including its sequestration among the poorest, its protracted natural history, the erratic availability of penicillin, and the lack of a concerted effort in endemic regions. However, there is cause for optimism following a resurgence in scientific interest over the last 15 years. This review presents the latest advancements in epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. It also discusses pressing research questions on disease pathophysiology, the barriers to implementation of effective management strategies, and pragmatic policy solutions required for translation of current knowledge into meaningful action.
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Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

