Burden of disease and barriers to comprehensive care for rheumatic heart disease in South Africa: an updated systematic review protocol

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is responsible for a significant burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and remains the most common cause of acquired heart disease among children and young adults in low-income and middle-income countries. Additionally, the global COVID-19 pandemic has forced the emergency restructuring of many health systems, which has had a broad impact on health in general, including cardiovascular disease.

Citation:
Murugasen S, Abdullahi LH, Moloi H, Wyber R, Abrams J, et al. Burden of disease and barriers to comprehensive care for rheumatic heart disease in South Africa: an updated systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. 2023;13(6):e073300.

Keywords:
Cardiac Epidemiology; Organisation of health services; Systematic Review

Abstract:
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is responsible for a significant burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and remains the most common cause of acquired heart disease among children and young adults in low-income and middle-income countries. Additionally, the global COVID-19 pandemic has forced the emergency restructuring of many health systems, which has had a broad impact on health in general, including cardiovascular disease.