BASELINE CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTEMPORARY ADULT CHRONIC RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE IN IBADAN, NIGERIA.

Introduction: Introduction: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major public health issue, especially in developing countries. Globally, the largest increase in RHD incidence over 30 years was seen in sub-Saharan Africa, further contributing to the burden of cardiovascular disease in a region with high rates of hypertensive heart disease and cardiomyopathies. There are few reports describing the contemporary clinical profile of RHD in Nigeria. Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the profile of RHD at the University College Hospital Ibadan. Methodology: This is an analysis of data collected on adult patients aged 18 years and above attending the cardiology service of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2021. We collected information on the bio-data, clinical features, and echocardiographic diagnoses. Results: During this period, 92 cases of RHD were diagnosed and 24 (26.1%) were male. The mean age of the study population was 49.67 ± 17.54 years, with ages ranging from 16 to 86 years. Most participants (45.7%) were within the age group of 30-49 years. Most (70.8%) of the participants presented in NYHA Class II heart failure. The most common presentation mode was dyspnea on exertion and nocturnal cough (64.1%). Mitral regurgitation was the commonest lesion (65.4%). Conclusion: Rheumatic heart disease is still a common cause of adult heart disease in Ibadan. There is a need for concerted efforts to tackle the burden of this disease by increasing screening among high-risk groups, improving access to healthcare, and increasing the uptake of secondary prophylaxis in those with a previous history of rheumatic fever.