Rheumatic heart disease is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus, a type of bacteria that causes a range of heart problems. It can affect the mitral and aortic heart valves and can strike at any age. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for rheumatic heart disease.
An infection with group A streptococcus causes rheumatic heart disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a serious infection that affects the valves in the heart. It can lead to a leaking heart valve or a severely narrowed heart valve. If not treated quickly, it can cause serious health problems and even risk the health of the unborn child. A doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair the heart valve.
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by repeated infections with group A streptococcus, which causes inflammation in heart tissue and damage to the heart valves. The heart valves are vital parts of the heart, as they ensure blood flows properly and prevent backflow. Sadly, rheumatic heart disease can be fatal if left untreated. A doctor will diagnose the condition by conducting a physical examination and medical history to rule out other causes of heart disease.
This condition can be treated with antibiotics, such as benzathine penicillin. The treatment of rheumatic heart disease begins with early recognition of group A streptococcus pharyngitis. Patients should receive antibiotics for up to 28 days after infection.
Acute rheumatic fever is a complication of a group A streptococcal infection. There is no specific test for this condition, but patients with this syndrome have a higher risk for heart failure. In severe cases, patients may need surgery to replace the damaged heart valve.
Individuals can develop rheumatic heart disease at any age, but it is most common in children aged five to fifteen years. It is rare in people younger than three years of age, and is often associated with repeated strep throat infections.
Infections of group A streptococcus can lead to permanent heart valve damage. During an acute rheumatic fever, heart valves swell, and heart muscle muscles may become inflamed. The result of the inflammation is heart valve scarring, which interferes with normal blood flow.
Several studies have examined the value of echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease. One study published in the American Journal of Cardiology evaluated the effectiveness of an echocardiography screening program in Nicaraguan schoolchildren. Another study published in the same journal evaluated an echocardiographic screening protocol for rheumatic heart disease in Tongan schoolchildren.
It affects the mitral and aortic heart valves
Rheumatic heart disease is a disorder of the heart valves and typically begins as an infection with group A streptococcus, which is spread from person to person. The virus causes a reaction in the immune system, resulting in inflammation and scarring of the heart valves. Although most cases of this condition are seen in childhood, some adults may develop the disease later in life.
The aortic and mitral heart valves are the most commonly affected heart valves. When one or both heart valves are affected, they can cause blood flow problems, including regurgitation, a condition where blood leaks back into the chamber. This can result in sudden cardiac arrest or death. Although rheumatic heart disease affects the aortic and mitral heart valve, it can affect any heart valve.
Acute rheumatic fever treatment includes antibiotics for the strep infection, medications to relieve heart and joint inflammation, and aspirin. Patients who have rheumatic heart disease should see a pediatric cardiologist for regular check-ups to ensure the condition is not worsening. The condition can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves, so children with the disorder should be monitored closely.
The most effective treatment for rheumatic heart disease involves an interprofessional team of doctors. Primary care clinicians should emphasize the importance of close follow-up with patients, and refer patients with symptoms to cardiology. If severe damage is found, surgery may be necessary.
Surgery for severe rheumatic heart disease involves repairing or replacing the damaged valves. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a catheter through a small incision in the heart. He then funnels a deflated balloon through the catheter to the affected heart valve. The surgeon then inflates the balloon inside the valve, improving blood flow. This surgery can be very costly and may not be covered by national health plans.
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by an infection called rheumatic fever. This infection can cause inflammation of the heart valves. If left untreated, rheumatic heart disease may lead to heart failure. It is highly likely to require heart valve surgery, although this procedure is not always possible for patients with mild cases.
It can occur at any age
The disease is more prevalent among women, but men can develop it as well. Women are disproportionately affected by the disease, with twice the risk of developing maternal heart complications during pregnancy. They also have a higher risk of heart arrhythmias, as increased blood volume puts extra pressure on the heart valves.
Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease may start out mild or not be apparent at all at first. They vary according to the amount of heart muscle damage and the location. However, if the inflammation is severe, it may lead to heart failure. Patients may not even know they have it until the disease has progressed and their symptoms become chronic. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to lifelong complications.
If you suspect that you have rheumatic heart disease, the first step is to make an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor will perform various tests to detect the disease. An echocardiogram, which records electrical activity of the heart, may reveal any heart valves that are leaking or damaged. Moreover, an electrocardiogram will reveal whether the heart is beating normally or not. You may also be prescribed anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Rheumatic heart disease is a disease of the heart caused by group A streptococcus infection. It can affect the heart valves and lead to heart failure if left untreated. Most cases occur in children, and symptoms often appear several years after the initial infection.
If you suspect that you may have rheumatic heart disease, it is important to consult a pediatric cardiologist for a checkup. Often, children with the disease will need to take antibiotics for years to prevent further heart damage. If the disease is severe, it may require surgical intervention.
Although rheumatic heart disease does not typically appear until years after an illness, it is especially dangerous in pregnant women, as the uterus increases the blood in the body. Damaged heart valves can cause serious problems during pregnancy, and they can put the unborn baby in danger. The inflammation caused by rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves, causing it to narrow and leak. When left untreated, rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart failure.
Treatment
If you suffer from rheumatic heart disease, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. This type of heart disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to a bacterial infection. It causes chronic inflammation and a gradual deposit of calcium crystals in heart valves. This disease can cause a heart failure and other serious complications for the patient. Although the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease can be subtle, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Rheumatic heart disease treatment can involve multiple steps. The first step is a thorough medical history and physical examination. From there, specific treatment will be determined depending on your child’s age and overall health. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve fever. If these methods fail, a pediatric cardiologist may recommend surgery to repair the heart.
Testing is a key part of rheumatic heart disease treatment. Often, patients with the disease will hear a murmur when their heart beats. This is caused by a leaky heart valve, and your doctor may perform a heart valve procedure to correct the problem. An electrocardiogram can also help your doctor diagnose rheumatic heart disease. This test uses sound waves to see inside your heart and creates a picture on a screen. This test may also detect an enlarged heart or abnormal heart valves.
If you have severe rheumatic heart disease, your doctor may perform heart valve surgery to replace or repair your damaged heart valves. The surgery will involve the use of a catheter to access the affected heart valve. The surgeon then inserts a catheter through a small incision and inflates the balloon inside the valve, improving the flow of blood. After this procedure, the surgeon will either replace the damaged heart valve with an artificial or tissue valve, or swap out an unhealthy valve with the damaged one.
Although rheumatic heart disease is a relatively rare disorder, it affects millions of children around the world. The condition can be life-threatening, and proper treatment can improve the patient’s quality of life. Hence, it is important to learn about rheumatic heart disease treatment so you can ensure a successful outcome.
