|
|
|
Home :: Family Health :: Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic Heart Disease - Rheumatic Heart Disease symptom, treatment, causes
Rheumatic Heart Disease is due to the permanent damage to the heart resulting from inflammation caused by RHEUMATIC FEVER. The most common and serious is heart valve damage (particularly to the mitral valve) that narrows valves or makes them incompetent. Persistent inflammation in the valves and endocardium (the membrane that lines the heart and covers its valves) puts patients at risk of bacterial ENDOCARDITIS (inflammation of the heart lining). Antibiotics to prevent endocarditis must be given to people with rheumatic heart disease before any procedure such as a tooth extraction, or after injury that might introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Rarely, damage of the heart muscle from rheumatic heart disease may contribute to the development of HEART FAILURE.
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves are damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve is damaged by a disease process that generally begins with a strep throat caused by streptococcus A bacteria, that may eventually cause rheumatic fever. It is a complication of rheumatic fever and usually occurs after attacks of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease. It can affect many of the body's connective tissues especially those of the heart, joints, brain or skin. Rheumatic fever produces fatigue (tiredness) and the infection can damage or weaken heart valves. Problems with the heart may be evident early, or it may occur long after the infection. RHD is characterized by heart murmurs, abnormal pulse rate and rhythm, and congestive heart failure. Acute RHD requires aggressive treatment to prevent heart failure. Chronic RHD requires continuous observation. If poor cardiac function develops, it may be treated with a low-sodium diet and diuretics . Patients with deformed heart valves should be given prophylactic antibiotics before dental and surgical procedures.
Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease
The common Rheumatic Heart Disease :
- Rheumatic fever can occur at any age, but usually occurs in children five to 15 years old.
- Rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease, can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart, joints, skin or brain.
- Rheumatic fever causes heart damage - particularly scarring of the heart valves - forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood and may eventually cause congestive heart failure.
Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Some common Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease :
- Fever .
- Weakness and shortness of breath .
- Red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen
- Nodules over swollen joints
- Uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles
Treatment of Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Rheumatic fever is the cause of rheumatic heart disease, the best treatment is to prevent rheumatic fever from occurring. Penicillin and other antibiotics can usually treat strep throat (a streptococcus A bacterial infection) and stop acute rheumatic fever from developing.
- Persons who have previously contracted rheumatic fever are often given continuous (daily or monthly) antibiotic treatments, possibly for life, to prevent future attacks of rheumatic fever and lower the risk of heart damage.
- Antibiotic therapy has sharply reduced the incidence and mortality rate of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease.
- If heart valve damage occurs, surgical repair or replacement of the valve may be considered.
|
|
|
