Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnancy: New Strategies for an Old Disease?

RHD in pregnancy (RHD-P) is associated with an increased burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A sequellae of rheumatic fever resulting in heart valve damage if untreated, RHD is twice as common in women. In providing an historical overview, this commentary provides context for prevention and treatment in the 21 st century. Four underlying themes inform much of the literature on RHD-P: its association with inequities; often-complex care requirements; demands for integrated care models, and a life-course approach.

Citation:
Vaughan G, Dawson A, Peek M, Sliwa K, Carapetis J, Wade V, et al. Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnancy: New Strategies for an Old Disease? Glo Heart. 2021;16(1):84.

Keywords:
First Nation peoples; Inequity; Pregnancy; Rheumatic heart disease

Abstract:
RHD in pregnancy (RHD-P) is associated with an increased burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A sequellae of rheumatic fever resulting in heart valve damage if untreated, RHD is twice as common in women. In providing an historical overview, this commentary provides context for prevention and treatment in the 21 st century. Four underlying themes inform much of the literature on RHD-P: its association with inequities; often-complex care requirements; demands for integrated care models, and a life-course approach.