An autoinflammatory condition following an infection with Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), in which the heart is attacked by antibodies formed in reaction to a recent GABHS infection. Chief anatomic changes of the valve include leaflet thickening, commissural fusion, and shortening and thickening of the tendinous cords, all of which can result in valvular dysfunction
Symptoms of Rheumatic heart disease
The following features are indicative of Rheumatic heart disease:
heart murmuring
fatigue
shortness of breath on exertion
chest pain
sore joints
skin nodules
uncontrollable body movements
It is possible that Rheumatic heart disease shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Rheumatic heart disease
The following are the most common causes of Rheumatic heart disease:
infection by the bacterium Group A streptococcus
Risk Factors for Rheumatic heart disease
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Rheumatic heart disease:
more prominent in children between 5-15 years
poor sanitation
crowded living conditions
Prevention of Rheumatic heart disease
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Rheumatic heart disease. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
follow early detection and early treatment of streptococcal throat infections that cause rheumatic fever
Occurrence of Rheumatic heart disease
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Rheumatic heart disease cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Rheumatic heart disease most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 20-35 years
Common Gender
Rheumatic heart disease can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Rheumatic heart disease
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Rheumatic heart disease:
Blood test: To detect components of the inflammatory and immune responses that cause rheumatic heart disease
ECG (Echocardiography): To diagnose damage to the heart
Complications of Rheumatic heart disease if untreated
Yes, Rheumatic heart disease causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Rheumatic heart disease is left untreated:
arrhythmias
atrial fibrillation
heart failure
Procedures for Treatment of Rheumatic heart disease
The following procedures are used to treat Rheumatic heart disease:
Surgery: To repair or replace the damaged heart valves
Balloon valvotomy: It involve the insertion of a tube and balloon into the heart to dilate a narrowed heart valve
Self-care for Rheumatic heart disease
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Rheumatic heart disease:
maintain good personal hygiene
brush teeth twice daily
shower daily
follow good handwashing procedures
Time for Treatment of Rheumatic heart disease
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Rheumatic heart disease to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: