Rheumatic Heart Disease: JACC Focus Seminar 2/4.

Scott Dougherty, Emmy Okello, Jeremiah Mwangi, Raman Krishna Kumar

Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2023 Jan 03

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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. Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Scott Dougherty, Emmy Okello, Jeremiah Mwangi, Raman Krishna Kumar. Rheumatic Heart Disease: JACC Focus Seminar 2/4. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2023 Jan 03;81(1):81-94