This is a condition of heart valves damage caused by
rheumatic fever. This may happen after an untreated or
under-treated bacterial (Streptococcus) infection which
evoke your body’s inflammatory response.
What are the causes for rheumatic heart disease?
-
Heart valve inflammation from rheumatic fever
- Repeated Streptococcal infections
What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?
Rheumatic heart disease symptoms can take years to
show following a streptococcal infection or
rheumatic fever. Symptoms of heart damage may
include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Heart murmur
-
Shortness of breath (especially following an
activity or when lying down)
- Swelling in the stomach, hands, or feet
What are the risk factors for rheumatic heart
disease?
-
Having repeated untreated Streptococcal
infection
-
Lack of easy access to healthcare or antibiotics
- Living in overcrowded conditions
How is rheumatic heart disease diagnosed?
-
Evaluation of symptoms and physical examination
- Medical history
- Blood tests to check for inflammation
-
Echocardiogram to check for leaky or narrowed
heart valves
- Electrocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What are the treatment options for rheumatic heart
disease?
Generally, there is no cure for rheumatic heart
disease. Treatments available may help to manage
symptoms and delay further complications, which
include:
- Antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever
-
Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation
- Medication to manage an abnormal heartbeat
-
Surgery to replace or repair a damaged valve (in
severe cases)
What are the prevention tips for rheumatic heart
disease?
Taking antibiotics at the earliest indication of a
streptococcal infection can help prevent rheumatic
heart disease.
References
-
Rheumatic heart disease. Available at
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/rheumatic-heart-disease#: [Accessed on 10 May 2022]
-
Rheumatic heart disease. Available at
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21485-rheumatic-heart-disease
[Accessed on 10 May 2022]