Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a chronic heart condition caused by rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that develops after an untreated or poorly treated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) throat infection. According to Braunwald’s Heart Disease, RHD results from an autoimmune response that damages the heart valves, leading to valve stenosis, regurgitation, or both, most commonly affecting the mitral and aortic valves.

Causes

• Primary Cause: Untreated or recurrent infections with Group A Streptococcus (GAS), leading to acute rheumatic fever (ARF).
• Autoimmune Reaction: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own heart tissues after the streptococcal infection.

Clinical Features

• Shortness of Breath: Especially on exertion or while lying down.
• Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often related to pericarditis or heart strain.
• Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats due to arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
• Heart Murmurs: Due to damaged heart valves (commonly mitral stenosis or regurgitation).
• Congestive Heart Failure: Resulting from severe valve dysfunction.
• Syncope: Fainting spells due to poor blood flow.
• Migratory Polyarthritis: Joint pain and swelling, often the first symptom.
• Subcutaneous Nodules: Painless lumps under the skin.
• Erythema Marginatum: A distinctive rash with a ring-like appearance.
• Sydenham’s Chorea: Involuntary, jerky movements due to nervous system involvement.

Why Should You Choose Aster Hospitals?

Aster Hospitals offers the best treatment modalities with the help of a set of numerous advanced diagnostic tools like high-resolution echocardiography and cardiac MRI for precise valve assessment. Our expert cardiology team includes an experienced cardiologist and cardiac surgeon for comprehensive management. 

The medical and surgical treatments include medications for heart failure and valve replacement or repair surgeries when needed. Our preventive care focuses on secondary prophylaxis with antibiotics to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever. The holistic patient support provides nutritional counseling, cardiac rehabilitation, and patient education programs all with the supervision of a cardiologist. 

Why Choose a Cardiologist? 

A Cardiologist uses advanced diagnostic tools like echocardiography to assess valve damage, determine the severity of the disease, and identify complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. They provide personalized care, including medications to manage symptoms, prevent further valve damage, and reduce the risk of blood clots.