Beyond pregnancy: Women with rheumatic heart disease

For pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), the increased risk of adverse health outcomes for themselves and their babies demands a collaborative approach that addresses cultural needs. A high burden of this preventable disease persists among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Māori and Pacifica women and other vulnerable populations. Research and advocacy initiatives increasingly call for culturally-appropriate models to achieve early assessment and holistic care. The 3rd edition of the Australian RHD Guidelines address these.