Definition:
Rheumatic Heart Disease pertains to a complication of rheumatic fever. This disease damages the entire heart and its membranes. It is a permanent damage to the heart due to a damaged heart valve. This disease used to be a serious form of heart disease for children and adolescents.
Diagnosis:
Doctors may base its diagnosis on the patient’s overall health and medical history, the extent of the disease and the patient’s tolerance to medication and other procedures.
Treatment:
Medication can be given to treat this heart condition. Surgery is also available as an option by replacing the damaged valve or valves.
Symptoms and Signs:
Indicators of this heart disorder varies. Sometimes, damage is not noticed right away. The more common symptoms of this condition are: breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, and fainting attacks. Fever, swollen and extremely painful joints (knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists in particular), nodules over swollen joints, red and lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen and uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles can also be experienced.
Causes:
This permanent heart damage is caused by damaged heart valves where it fails to open and close properly. The damage begins with a strep throat caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus A bacteria.
