Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease is chronic cardiac damage following acute rheumatic fever, predominantly scarring of the mitral valve (stenosis/insufficiency), and sometimes aortic/tricuspid valves, causing dyspnea, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and embolic stroke. Treatment: manage symptoms (diuretics/rate control/anticoagulation for AF); surgical valve repair/replacement for significant lesions; long-term secondary penicillin prophylaxis to prevent recurrence; dental/endocarditis prophylaxis as indicated.

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea; atrial fibrillation; heart failure; valve murmurs; history of rheumatic fever; embolic stroke risk

Causes and Pathogenesis

Post-rheumatic scarring/stenosis of valves causes chronic pressure/volume overload.

Treatment

Medical therapy; valve surgery for significant lesions; secondary penicillin prophylaxis; anticoagulate AF

Preventive Measures

Treat strep pharyngitis; secondary prophylaxis; endocarditis prophylaxis.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology/Cardiac-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.