Valvular heart diseases and its impact: An assessment among patients attending a Tertiary Hospital in Kolkata

Abstract

BackgroundValvular heart diseases (VHD) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and rheumatic fever still continues to be a contributing factor to VHD in the developing nations like India. This enormous disease burden often translates into huge economic and social losses.AimsThis study was undertaken to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients with VHD, to find the frequency of different types of valvular diseases and their etiologies and the effect of such diseases on daily living.Materials and MethodsA hospital based observational study was carried out among the patients with VHD attending Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery OPD from April,2013 to Dec,2013.Data collection was done using a predesigned and pretested schedule after taking informed consent.Out of the 108 patient's majority were males and resided in rural areas. Their mean age was 36.39 ± 13.88. Mitral stenosis was found to be the commonest single valve lesion and most of the VHDs were of rheumatic origin. In 32.4% of the cases outdoor activities were completely restricted. Out of the 62 patients working outside, 40.2% were mostly absent from their workplace.Mitral stenosis of rheumatic origin was found to be the commonest type of valvular heart disease in this part. This study reveals that valvular heart disease of rheumatic origin still exists in our society. So preventive measures, diagnosis and management of valvular diseases should not be neglected and we need to provide preventive services in cases of rheumatic fever to reduce the development of VHD.