Structural heart disease in the tropics: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Structural heart disease (SHD) remains a significant global health challenge, disproportionately impacting populations in tropical regions where the burden of infectious diseases, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities exacerbate the issue. The tropics are uniquely affected by conditions such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD), endomyocardial fibrosis, tropical cardiomyopathies, and pericardial diseases, often resulting from or complicated by endemic infections like malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases. Moreover, Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Cardiac Disease (HIVAC) represents an emerging concern in regions with high HIV prevalence, adding complexity to the interplay between infectious and structural cardiac conditions. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with SHD in these areas, research and clinical focus have often been inadequate, underscoring the need for a comprehensive synthesis of available evidence to guide future efforts. This review aims to provide a detailed examination of SHD in the tropics, with a focus on valvular, myocardial, and pericardial diseases linked to tropical infections and conditions. It highlights the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of key diseases, including RHD, endocarditis, Chagas disease, and HIVAC, as well as other less commonly recognized tropical cardiomyopathies and pericardial disorders. The review also explores diagnostic challenges, advances in imaging and molecular tools, and the role of public health interventions and policy in addressing these conditions. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps, this review aims to inform research priorities, improve clinical care, and support the development of tailored prevention and management strategies for SHD in resource-constrained tropical settings.

Keywords: Cardiovascular; Chagas disease; HIV/AIDS; Structural heart disease; Tropical infectious disease.