What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
What Are the Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Types of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Who Is at Risk for Rheumatic Heart Disease?
What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Meet Dr. Arun for Treating Rheumatic Heart Disease
What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a condition that results from damage to the heart valves from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after a strep throat infection. The valves of the heart are damaged when the immune system responds to the strep infection. This damage can lead to problems with the heart valves, including narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation). RHD is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure, stroke, and death. It is most common in developing countries and among people who don’t have access to good medical care. In these countries, it is a leading cause of death in young adults.
What Are the Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease?
It is a condition that affects the heart muscle and valves. It’s caused by a bacterial infection, typically strep throat or scarlet fever or other strep infection. The infection causes the valves to become inflamed and damaged posing a risk of heart failure.
Types of Rheumatic Heart Disease
There are two types : acute and chronic.
- Acute rheumatic heart disease happens when the strep infection is not treated right away.
- Chronic rheumatic heart disease happens when the damage to the valves is not repaired.
Who Is at Risk for Rheumatic Heart Disease?
It can affect people of any age, but it is most common in children. Though anyone who has had a strep throat infection is at risk for RHD; but, the risk is highest in children and young adults. Children who live in developing countries and do not have access to medical care are at the greatest risk. So, anyone can get RHD, but it’s more common in certain groups of people, including:
- Children and young adults
- People who live in developing countries
- People not availing of ideal care and right medical intervention
- People with a history of strep throat or scarlet fever
What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease?
The symptoms of this disease can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Sometimes, people might not see any symptoms of any kind. Others may have some symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. They may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles
- Heart murmur
- Arrhythmia
Are There Any Complications ?
There are several complications of this heart disease. These include heart failure, stroke, and blood clotting. It can also lead to an enlarged heart. If not treated, RHD can lead to serious complications, including:
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Endocarditis i.e. the infection of the heart valve(s)
- Cardiac arrest
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is usually made based on the person’s symptoms and a review of his medical history. A physical exam, X-ray or echocardiogram, and blood tests may also be done. Your doctor may also order tests, such as a chest X-ray or echocardiogram, to confirm the diagnosis.
- A history of strep throat infections
- Symptoms of RHD
- An echocardiogram
Treatment
RHD can be treated with antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, surgery may also be needed to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
Meet Dr. Arun for Treating Rheumatic Heart Disease
It is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to preventing serious complications. Dr. Arun is a highly skilled cardiologist, who specializes in treating rheumatic heart disease. He has successfully treated many patients with this condition, and can provide you with the care you need. Contact Dr. Arun today to schedule a consultation!
