Rheumatic Heart Disease, known as RHD, is a heart disease caused by rheumatic fever. Rheumatism is a systemic inflammation caused by group A B streptocyccus infections, usually after upper respiratory infections (e.g., throat). Although rheumatism can affect the joint, skin and central nervous system, the most serious complications are damage to the heart valve.
What’s rheumatism?
Rheumatism heart disease is heart valve damage caused by repeated or severe outbreaks of rheumatism. The main function of the heart valve is to ensure a one-way flow of blood within the heart and between the heart and the rest of the body. When the valve is damaged, there may be a narrow (lower opening) or incomplete closure of the valve, leading to a reflow of blood.
Symptom
Symptoms of rheumatological heart disease vary from person to person, depending on the irritated valve and the extent of its damage. Common symptoms include:
– ** Frightened and short **: especially after the event or when lying down.
– ** I’m weak**: even minor activities can get tired.
– ** Cough**: Sometimes pink foams are coughed out.
– ** chest pain** : Especially when the heart burden increases.
– ** Eedema**: especially in the lower limbs and abdomen.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of rheumatological heart disease usually requires a combination of medical history, medical examinations and multiple examinations.
Common diagnostic methods include:
– ** E.C.G. (ECG)**: used to detect cardiac disorders and changes in cardiac electric activity.
– ** Hyperheartmatric (Echo)**: Assessment of the extent of valve damage through ultrasound examination of the heart structure and function.
– ** chest x-rays**: help understand changes in heart size and shape.
– ** Laboratory examination**: e.g. anti-strepluccus “O” antibodies and C reaction protein levels to assess signs of inflammation and streptococcus infection. Treatment of rheumatism heart disease aims to control symptoms, prevent deterioration and deal with complications.
Common treatment methods include:
-** Drug treatment**: Includes antibiotics (e.g. penicillin) to prevent re-emergence of streptococcal infections, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. aspirin) to mitigate inflammation, as well as urea and heart drugs to control heart failure.
– **Surgery treatment**: serious valve damage may require a valve repair or replacement. The most common surgical methods include valor formation and artificial replanting. The key to preventing rheumatism heart disease is the prevention and timely treatment of streptococcal infections.
The following are preventive measures:
-** Timely treatment of larynx infections**: use of antibiotics to treat streptococcal infections to prevent rheumatism. – ** Improved living conditions**: avoid overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions and maintain good nutrition and hygiene practices.
– ** Periodic medical check-ups**: especially for patients with a history of rheumatism and fever, there should be regular heart check-ups, early detection and treatment of cardiac valve disease. Day-to-day management is essential for confirmed cases of rheumatological heart disease. The following recommendations are made:
– ** Moderate motion**: Avoiding intense motion, but can perform aerobics, such as walking and swimming, to enhance CPR function.
-** Dietary management**: maintaining low salt, low fat diets, avoiding high cholesterol foods and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
– ** Periodical visits**: Periodic cardiac examinations are conducted in accordance with medical instructions, changes in conditions are monitored and treatment programmes adjusted. – ** Psychological support**: rheumatological heart disease may have an impact on the mental health of the patient, and counselling and support is recommended.
Advance
The prognosis of rheumatological heart disease depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the condition, the timeliness of treatment and the overall health status of the patient. Early diagnosis and active treatment can significantly improve expectations and improve quality of life.
In short, rheumatism heart disease is a serious but preventable disease. Through early prevention, timely treatment and good day-to-day management, patients can effectively control their condition and lead healthy lives. If you or your family are suffering from the symptoms, contact a doctor in a timely manner and receive a professional diagnosis and treatment.
