Rheumatic
Heart Disease
Rheumatic
heart disease is a condition in which permanent
damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic
fever. The heart valve is damaged by a disease
process that generally begins with a strep throat
caused by streptococcus A bacteria, that may eventually
cause rheumatic fever.
- Rheumatic fever, an
inflammatory disease, can affect many connective
tissues, especially in the heart, joints, skin,
or brain.
- Rheumatic fever can
occur at any age, but usually occurs in children
five to 15 years old.
- Rheumatic fever causes
heart damage - particularly scarring of the
heart valves - forcing the heart to work harder
to pump blood and may eventually cause congestive
heart failure.
The
following are the most common symptoms for rheumatic
fever; however, each individual may experience
symptoms differently. Symptoms, which vary greatly,
typically begin one to six weeks after a bout
of strep throat, although, in some cases, the
infection may have been too mild to have been
recognized. Symptoms may include:
- fever
- swollen, tender, red
and extremely painful joints - particularly
the knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists
- nodules over swollen
joints
- red, raised, lattice-like
rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen
- uncontrolled movements
of arms, legs, or facial muscles
- weakness and shortness
of breath
The
symptoms of rheumatic fever may resemble other
bone disorders or medical problems. Consult your
physician for a diagnosis.
Specific
treatment for rheumatic heart disease will be
determined by your physician based on:
- your overall health
and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for
specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the
course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Since
rheumatic fever is the cause of rheumatic heart
disease, the best treatment is to prevent rheumatic
fever from occurring. Penicillin and other antibiotics
can usually treat strep throat (a streptococcus
A bacterial infection) and stop acute rheumatic
fever from developing.
Persons
who have previously contracted rheumatic fever
are often given continuous (daily or monthly)
antibiotic treatments, possibly for life, to prevent
future attacks of rheumatic fever and lower the
risk of heart damage. Antibiotic therapy has sharply
reduced the incidence and mortality rate of rheumatic
fever/rheumatic heart disease. To reduce inflammation,
aspirin, steroids, or non-steroidal medications
may be given. Surgery may be necessary to repair
or replace the damaged valve.
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