D. Radha Krishnan1, V. Srinivas2
Valvular heart disease is still a common causes of mortality and morbidity in India and rheumatic heart disease is still far more frequent.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence and clinical profile of rheumatic and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease in patients attending to Government General Hospital, Kakinada.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 Adult patients with valvular abnormalities attending to the Medicine and Cardiology Units of Government General Hospital, Kakinada from Nov 2011 - May 2013 were studied. Clinical history including various symptoms, past history of rheumatic fever, followed by systemic examination was done. A detailed cardiovascular examination with relevant investigations and evaluation was done.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: The most common cause of acquired valvular heart disease is Rheumatic Heart Disease. Mitral valve involvement is the most common valve involvement with Mitral regurgitation as the most common valvular lesion. Mitral stenosis is the most common valvular lesion among rheumatic valvular heart disease. The most common complaint is breathlessness and the most common complication is Congestive heart failure. Multi valvular lesion is the most common valve involvement in patients presenting with congestive heart failure and infective endocarditis. Patients having atrial fibrillation are noted to have mitral stenosis more commonly. Mitral stenosis is the valve abnormality commonly noted in patients presenting with haemoptysis, respiratory tract infection and chorea. Left sided hemiplegia is common in patients with acquired valvular heart disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Though the incidencen of rheumatic valvular disease is decreased in modern era, still continuing in our country. The analysis of the present study gives us insight into the various types of presentation of acquired valvular heart disease and to increase awareness besides early detection of valvular diseases clinically. It also helps in planning of early treatment of valvular heart diseases. This study also helps in proper plan of treatment thus decreasing mortality and morbidity of acquired valvular disease.
