Rheumatic Heart Disease

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Rheumatic Heart Disease

A global group of leading experts working to advance knowledge and share best practices in the prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease.

Building global momentum in the prevention and treatment of RHD

Connecting experts. Driving change.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects over 55 million people globally, causing widespread heart valve damage. In order to address the growing prevalence of RHD, H&VC has convened a group of global subject matter experts to conduct workshops, write expert consensus documents, contribute to data registries, and develop a global educational strategy to support the path toward continued research, innovation, and knowledge mobilization in RHD.

Leadership

Meet the group’s leadership

Hector I. Michelena
Hector I. Michelena, MD

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Jagat Narula
Jagat Narula, MD, PhD

UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX

Philippe Pibarot
Philippe Pibarot, DVM, PhD

Québec Heart & Lung Institute, Laval University, Québec City, Canada

Learn more from this working group

Podcast · 21 min

Video · 21 min

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Initiatives of the World Heart Federation to Fight Rheumatic Heart Disease

Ami Bhatt and Jagat Narula discuss the World Heart Federation's initiatives to combat Rheumatic Heart Disease and other neglected cardiovascular diseases, advocating for research, government action, and primary care for early detection.

Read the publication

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Watch the video

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Podcast · 22 min

Video · 22 min

Rheumatic Heart Disease

The Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Ami Bhatt and Jagat Narula discuss the global impact of rheumatic heart disease, its challenges, and ongoing efforts for prevention and treatment.

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Watch the video

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Winning the Fight Against Rheumatic Heart Valve Disease: Need for a Global Strategy

January 22 & 23, 2026
Course Directors: Philippe Pibarot, Hector Michelina, Jagat Narula

Presentation: Day 1, 8:00
Epidemiology and state of the burden of RHVD worldwide
George Mensah

Co-sponsored by

World Heart Federation
The Heart Valve Society

Watch the video

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