Rheumatic Heart Disease: a major health problem in El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan

Objectives: to reflect on rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as an endemic noncommunicable health problem and to identify the risk factors, the common presenting symptoms and common complications of rheumatic heart disease Patients and methods: This study is a hospital based study done in Elobied Teaching Hospital for 53 patients who were admitted to the medical wards with RHD in the period between January 2006 and December 2006. Results: Females were predominating in the study population 16-40 years (88%). The majority of patients came from rural areas (81%). The common presenting symptoms were those of congestive heart failure while the common reported complications were congestive bacteria endocarditis. Conclusion: RHD is still a major health problem in Kordofan states that require more attention of integrated health services in rural areas.