What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Description of the disease

Rheumatic heart disease is an inflammatory condition of the heart, which often develops as a complication after a previous bout of rheumatic fever. The inflammation affects the heart valves, leading to serious consequences.

Classification

• Acute rheumatic heart disease
• Chronic rheumatic heart disease

Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Tachycardia
• Fever
• Enlarged liver

Causes

Rheumatic heart disease usually develops as a result of a bacterial infection, such as streptococcal infection, although there may also be other causes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease involves physical examination and diagnostic methods such as ECG, echocardiography, and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment of rheumatic heart disease includes taking antibiotics, correction of heart failure, and in some cases, surgical intervention to replace affected valves.

Prevention

Prevention of rheumatic heart disease includes timely treatment of rheumatic infection, taking prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures, and maintaining overall cardiovascular health.

Doctor

For consultation and treatment of rheumatic heart disease, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist.