Rheumatic Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Care

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Rheumatic Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Care
Rheumatic Heart Disease

Published by: Life Glow Journal | Date: July 16, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
  2. Causes
  3. Symptoms
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. Prevention
  7. Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease
  8. FAQs
  9. Recommended Products
  10. Related Articles

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a chronic condition resulting from rheumatic fever, which can develop after an untreated or poorly treated strep throat or scarlet fever infection. It causes permanent damage to the heart valves, affecting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart failure or stroke.

Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease

RHD starts with a bacterial infection from Group A Streptococcus, commonly known as strep throat. If not properly treated with antibiotics, the infection can lead to an autoimmune response called rheumatic fever. Over time, rheumatic fever can scar and deform the heart valves, leading to RHD.

  • Untreated strep throat or scarlet fever
  • Recurring rheumatic fever episodes
  • Poor healthcare access for early infection treatment

Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Symptoms may not appear until years after rheumatic fever. They vary based on the severity of valve damage but typically include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Swollen ankles or feet
  • Chest pain
  • Heart murmur
  • Irregular heartbeats

Diagnosis

Doctors use several tests and medical history to diagnose RHD:

  • Physical exam: Checking for heart murmurs
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitors heart rhythms
  • Echocardiogram: Detects valve damage using ultrasound
  • Blood tests: To confirm past strep infections or inflammation

Treatment Options

Though RHD is irreversible, symptoms and complications can be managed with appropriate care:

1. Antibiotic Therapy

Long-term antibiotics help prevent recurrent strep infections and rheumatic fever relapses.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medication

To reduce inflammation in the heart and joints during acute rheumatic fever.

3. Surgical Intervention

Severe valve damage may require valve repair or replacement through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures.

4. Lifestyle Management

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can slow progression and improve quality of life.

Prevention Strategies

  • Treat strep throat promptly with antibiotics
  • Educate families on the importance of completing antibiotic courses
  • Public health initiatives in low-resource areas

Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease

Managing RHD requires a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-ups. Patients should:

  • Take prescribed medications consistently
  • Monitor symptoms and report changes
  • Follow a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet
  • Stay active under doctor supervision

FAQs

What causes rheumatic heart disease?

It is caused by heart valve damage resulting from untreated rheumatic fever, itself caused by a strep infection.

Can it be cured?

No, but it can be managed through medication and sometimes surgery.

Is it common in the USA?

It’s rare in the USA today due to early treatment of strep throat, but still exists among vulnerable populations.

Is surgery always necessary?

No. Mild to moderate cases may only require medication and lifestyle modifications.

🧩 What's Next?

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