Here is the content about Rheumatic Heart Disease in English.

Rheumatic Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a condition in which the heart valves are permanently damaged due to inflammation caused by rheumatic fever. This disease is a result of an abnormal immune response to an untreated Group A Streptococcus bacterial infection, commonly associated with strep throat or scarlet fever. Over time, it can lead to valve stenosis (narrowing) or valve regurgitation (leakage), causing serious heart complications.

Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease

RHD is primarily caused by an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection. The immune system mistakenly attacks heart tissues, joints, skin, and the nervous system, leading to inflammation and scarring of the heart valves.

Risk Factors:

• Lack of proper antibiotic treatment for strep throat infections
• Family history of rheumatic fever or heart disease
• Poor sanitation and crowded living conditions, increasing the risk of infection
• Recurrent strep throat infections, raising the likelihood of heart damage

Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of heart valve damage and may take years to appear. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or exerting effort
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen due to fluid retention
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
• Heart murmur, which can be detected by a doctor through a stethoscope

If left untreated, RHD can lead to heart failure, stroke, and other life-threatening complications.

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Doctors use various tests to diagnose RHD and assess heart function, including:

• Echocardiogram (ECHO): Uses ultrasound to examine heart valve damage
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Detects abnormal heart rhythms
• Chest X-ray: Checks for heart enlargement or lung congestion
• Blood tests: Identify inflammation and past streptococcal infections

Treatment Options for Rheumatic Heart Disease

1. Medication Treatment

• Antibiotics: Long-term penicillin therapy to prevent recurrent infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Such as aspirin or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Heart medications: To control symptoms like beta-blockers, diuretics, and anticoagulants

2. Surgical Treatment

• Balloon Valvuloplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed heart valves
• Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery: If the damage is severe, doctors may repair or replace the affected valve with a mechanical or biological valve

Prevention of Rheumatic Heart Disease

The best way to prevent RHD is early treatment of strep throat infections with antibiotics. People who have had rheumatic fever may require long-term preventive antibiotics to avoid further heart complications.

Conclusion

Rheumatic Heart Disease is a serious but preventable condition. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and regular medical follow-ups can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. If you or your loved one experiences signs of heart disease, seek medical attention promptly to protect heart health.