Heart surgery outcomes for rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia

This trial is studying heart surgery for people with rheumatic heart disease at a hospital in Ethiopia. Researchers want to see how well patients recover after surgery over six months, and how well blood thinners work for patients who receive mechanical heart valves. They'll compare results between Ethiopian patients who had surgery, Ethiopian patients still waiting for surgery, and Norwegian patients who have had similar procedures.

Rheumatic heart disease is a serious condition that damages heart valves, and many people in Ethiopia need surgery but don't have access to it. This study will help doctors understand whether developing a surgical program in Ethiopia can save lives and improve outcomes, and whether patients there can safely manage blood-thinning medications after valve replacement.