| Popis: |
Although several previous studies have been done on the nature and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Papua New Guinea no study has looked exclusively at a highlander population. This article reviews 154 cardiac patients who first presented to the Mt Hagen adult outpatient department over a period of one year. The study excluded non-highlanders, patients under 12 years of age, and patients with heart disease secondary to anaemia or diseases of the blood vessels. Heart disease was found to constitute a significant proportion of outpatient visits and admissions. Cor pulmonale secondary to chronic lung disease was the commonest condition seen, occurring in higher frequency than reported elsewhere, and accounting for the majority of cases of congestive heart failure. Valvular heart disease was also common, often presenting in a precocious and severe form. Congenital bicuspid aortic values were important in the generation of aortic valve disease in this population. Arrhythmias and conduction disturbances were also common. Diseases of the myocardium and pericardium occurred infrequently and were of the same nature as those reported in other studies in Papua New Guinea. Hypertension was probably underreported in this study, with renal disease being a contributing factor in the cases seen. Ischaemic heart disease represented a small number of the total cases, but was probably underreported. |
