A new study from Saint Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia has revealed a surprisingly high burden of valvular heart disease (VHD) among adults receiving cardiac care. While rheumatic disease is often the main concern in low-income countries, this study, published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, looked more broadly and found other contributing factors as well.
Researchers reviewed 417 patient records and found that about 17.5% had some form of VHD. Interestingly, those living in urban areas were more likely to be affected. The average age of participants was 50.
The team identified several independent risk factors, including high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, a family history of heart disease, and even a past history of malnutrition during adulthood. These findings suggest that VHD in Ethiopia may stem from a complex mix of genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors and not just rheumatic causes.
There is a need for recommend better screening programs, particularly in primary care settings, and call for a national VHD registry to better track the condition and manage outcomes.