Is rheumatic heart disease serious?

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a common form of cardiovascular disease. Today, many individuals are affected by this condition, which poses significant health risks. Without timely and effective treatment, RHD can become life-threatening.

How severe is rheumatic heart disease?

Once diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, the condition is considered serious. RHD results from inflammatory changes triggered by rheumatoid factors; these inflammatory processes attack the heart valves, leading to valve insufficiency (incomplete closure) or stenosis (narrowing). In severe cases, such damage may jeopardize overall health and even result in death. If RHD is suspected, patients should visit a local hospital for color Doppler echocardiography and coronary CT angiography (CTA) to assess the extent of valvular involvement.

In the early stages of RHD—when valvular damage is mild—patients should consult a cardiologist in the outpatient cardiology clinic. However, if significant valve stenosis or regurgitation develops and the patient exhibits clear symptoms, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Since surgery remains the most critical treatment modality for rheumatic valvular heart disease, timing of the procedure is crucial. Some patients lose the opportunity for surgery due to delayed or inadequate treatment. Postoperatively, patients must return to the cardiology department for ongoing management and follow-up evaluations.

Patients are advised to stay warm and take preventive measures against upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), pneumonia, and other infectious illnesses. Such infections may precipitate focal cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, URTIs can trigger rheumatic fever, thereby exacerbating rheumatic heart disease. We hope this information proves helpful.