The American Heart Association's Call to Action for Reducing the Global Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association

Circulation. 2020 Nov 17;142(20):e358-e368. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000922. Epub 2020 Oct 19.

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects ≈40 million people and claims nearly 300 000 lives each year. The historic passing of a World Health Assembly resolution on RHD in 2018 now mandates a coordinated global response. The American Heart Association is committed to serving as a global champion and leader in RHD care and prevention. Here, we pledge support in 5 key areas: (1) professional healthcare worker education and training, (2) technical support for the implementation of evidence-based strategies for rheumatic fever/RHD prevention, (3) access to essential medications and technologies, (4) research, and (5) advocacy to increase global awareness, resources, and capacity for RHD control. In bolstering the efforts of the American Heart Association to combat RHD, we hope to inspire others to collaborate, communicate, and contribute.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • American Heart Association*
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing*
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease* / diagnosis
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease* / epidemiology
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease* / metabolism
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease* / prevention & control
  • United States / epidemiology