Current Sta Tus of Rheuma Tic Fever and Rheuma Tic Heart Disease in Nepal

Rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are common inunderdeveloped, deprived and depressed areas of the world. The progression of RHDis rapid in deprived communuties. Prevalence of RF and RHD has sharply declinedin affluent and developed countries, especially after the introduction of antibiotcs.RHD is a preventable disease. RHD is a leading cause of cardiovascular deaths indeveloping countries. The prevalence of RF and RHD varies from place to place. Indeveloping countries, young productive age groups are suffering from this diseasewhile in developed countries it is becoming geriatric disease due to the betterment ofliving standards and prompt awareness upon this disease. Studies and documentationof the current ststus of RF and RHD in Nepal is the present concern.1. Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre.Address for correspondence : Dr. Yuba Raj Limbu, CardiologyShahid Gangalal National Heart CentreP.O.Box: 11360, Kathmandu, NepalEmail: yrlimbu@yahoo.comKey Words: Rheumatic fever, Rheumatic Heart Disease.