Developing country kids prone to heart disease

Screening programs for school children to check Acute Rheumatic Fever or heart disease has revealed that the disease may be more prevalent amongst children in developing countries than was previously thought.

Sara Noonan of World Heart Federation said that the disease is more common in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Africa, Egypt and India.

She said they have found during their research that many people suffering from the diseases do not go to the health centres or forget to go which is why patient understanding into the disease needs improving.

She said 20 people went for heart surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease in 2005, 30 in 2006, 25 in 2007 and 30 in 2008.

She said 30 people have died due to the disease last year.

Noonan said that under the Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Program, patients are now being reminded about their medication and clinics.

She said some people do not go to the hospital as they are frustrated with the sickness and the fact that they have to constantly take their tablets.