Role of Statins In Slowing Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Progression
Role of Statins In Slowing Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Progression
The goal of this study is to address specific implementation questions necessary and
 sufficient to ensure the feasibility of the larger randomized trial examining the efficacy of
 statin medications in slowing rheumatic heart disease (RHD) valvular pathology progression.
 This feasibility study is intended to confirm the number of readily recruitable subjects,
 assess recruitment rate, and assess the rate of valve pathology via echocardiograms. These
 results are necessary and sufficient to facilitate the successful design of a large full
 scale randomized trial to determine whether statins improve outcomes in RHD. Successful
 treatment of RHD would fundamentally shift the RHD management paradigm world-wide, improve
 the lives of millions afflicted with RHD, and subsequently, decrease health care spending on
 RHD management.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  ≥ 18 years

 -  History of RHD as evidenced by at least one echocardiographic examination

 -  No history of cardiac surgery

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  ≥ 75 or < 18 years old

 -  Absence of RHD or RF history

 -  Active liver disease

 -  Impaired hepatic and renal function, including unexplained elevated levels of alanine
 transaminase greater than twice the upper limit of normal

 -  History of previous statin intolerance or muscle disorders

 -  Current pregnancy (by history or lab assessment of beta hCG) or plans for pregnancy in
 the next 18 months). Current lactation / breast feeding.

 -  LDL <60