Did you know that rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects around 33 to 55 million people worldwide, causing around 360,000 deaths annually? It occurs when your immune system responds to strep infection, causing permanent damage or scarring to the heart valves, making them unable to work properly. This can lead to severe complications or even death. But noticing the symptoms earlier and taking treatment can help you prevent this. Learn rheumatic heart disease symptoms and treatment options in this article. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.
What is rheumatic heart disease?
This condition is caused by damage to the heart valves from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that usually affects children. This happens due to an untreated strep infection. Strep throat is also a common cause of rheumatoid arthritis, which affects many parts of the body. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and perform tests such as an X-ray and an EKG to check for heart damage due to this.
Rheumatic heart disease can develop following an infection of the pharynx with beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteria. Rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves, resulting in rheumatic heart disease. Your body’s inflammatory response to a bacterial infection is the cause of a fever.
Children in poor countries who lack access to antibiotics are at the greatest risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections. Severe health problems, such as heart failure, can result from the condition. Medicine and surgery are the primary methods of treating the disease.
Who is at risk for rheumatic heart disease?
Untreated or under-treated strep infections can increase the risk of rheumatic heart disease. Children who get repeated strep throat infections are at the highest risk for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever include:
- A fever is also a common symptom of a viral infection.
- Painless nodules under the skin near joints and/or a rash consisting of pink rings with a clear center are some of the symptoms that can be associated with chorea (both are rare).
- A faint heartbeat
Rheumatic heart disease-related heart valve damage can cause the following symptoms:
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen abdomen
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
What is the treatment for rheumatic heart disease?
Damage to the heart valves caused by rheumatic heart disease is irreversible. Valve replacement or repair may be necessary in patients with severe rheumatic disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, medication may be required to treat symptoms of heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms.
A blood thinner may be required to reduce the risk of blood clots. Surgery to repair or replace heart valves may be necessary in cases of severe disease.
Many low-income communities don’t have access to these services, or if they do, the costs can be prohibitive for families who don’t have national health insurance, placing them under even more financial stress.
Is it possible to avoid rheumatic heart disease?
Yes, rheumatic heart disease is linked to rheumatic fever. You can prevent rheumatic fever by treating strep throat with antibiotics, which will prevent rheumatoid arthritis in the long run.
Rheumatic heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar all have an impact on your heart health. Smoking also has a negative impact on heart health. So, you need to make changes in your diet and lifestyle to ensure your heart stays healthy, along with your overall health.
For any cardiovascular problems, call us on +1 718 367 2555. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Doral Health & Wellness Cardiology Brooklyn can improve your health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
