Rheumatic Heart Disease

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What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic heart disease is damage caused to the heart's valves by rheumatic fever.

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Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is caused by untreated strep throat. It was once a common disease experienced by children, usually between the ages of 5 and 15. Rheumatic fever caused a painful inflammation of the connective tissue of the joints, skin, heart, etc. In nearly half of all cases, rheumatic fever damages the heart valves.

The advent of antibiotics, such as penicillin, however, rendered rheumatic fever a relatively rare condition. Today, most people do not have to worry rheumatic heart disease.

Rheumatic Heart Disease

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Rheumatic heart disease involves damage to the heart valves. The heart has four valves that open and close to make sure blood is pumped in the right direction. If one of the valves is seriously weak or damaged, blood may leak back or regurgitate into a chamber of the heart. Heart valve damage caused by rheumatic heart disease can range from mild to extremely serious.

In the worst case scenario, the damage rheumatic fever causes to the heart valves may cause the heart to work too hard to pump blood. This can weaken the heart muscle and lead to congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is no longer strong enough to pump blood effectively. The heart becomes enlarged and blood seeps back into other organs including the lungs. Heart failure may be treated with medications, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Mild cases rheumatic heart disease may not require any intervention at all, while more serious cases may require surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve. Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease depend on how badly the valves have been damaged and may include fatigue, a sensation of irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.

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People who have had rheumatic fever tend to be sensitive to other inflammatory infections such as myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart tissue. If you've had rheumatic fever, you may take an antibiotic daily to prevent infection. Chances are, you are also prescribed another antibiotic prior to any surgery or dental work.

An Ounce of Prevention

If you had rheumatic fever as a child, be sure that every doctor who treats you is aware of this fact. Be especially sure to tell your dentist as well as any doctor performing a surgical procedure. If you develop signs and symptoms of heart problems, contact your doctor immediately.

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