Rheumatic heart disease

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:
  • More than 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Rheumatic heart disease.
Pericardial Effusion
Myocarditis
Myocarditis
Rheumatic Fever
Lymphatic Diseases
Pericardial Effusion
Myocarditis

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