What causes rheumatic heart disease and how is it treated?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors, such as group B streptococcal infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, and lymphohistiocytosis. The condition can be improved through medication and surgical treatment. In addition, patients should develop healthy lifestyle habits and seek timely medical care, undergoing systematic examinations and targeted treatments under the guidance of a physician.
In general, rheumatic heart disease may be caused by Group B streptococcal infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, or lymphohistiocytosis. The condition can usually be improved through medication or surgical treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Causes
1. Group B Streptococcal Infection
Infection spreads via airborne droplets and other routes, leading to pharyngitis or skin infections. When the immune system fights the infection, it may inadvertently damage heart valves, potentially resulting in valve insufficiency or stenosis, causing inflammatory heart lesions.
2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
This autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues, leading to immune dysfunction. Pathogens involved in SLE can trigger arthritis, skin lesions, and organ damage, which may exacerbate existing heart valve abnormalities.
3. Lymphohistiocytosis
This condition triggers abnormal immune responses against myocardial and valvular tissues, causing inflammation of the heart muscle and valves. This inflammatory reaction can destroy cardiomyocytes and valvular tissue, altering cardiac structure and function. In severe cases, it may directly attack cardiac tissue, leading to heart damage and resulting in this condition.
2. Treatment
1. Medication
Patients should take glucocorticoid medications under medical supervision to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Commonly used drugs include Methylprednisolone tablets, Betamethasone tablets, and Dexamethasone tablets.
2. Surgery
When conservative treatments fail to achieve therapeutic goals, surgical intervention may be considered, such as valvuloplasty or heart valve replacement surgery.
In addition, patients should adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoiding chronic sleep deprivation, which can also promote recovery to some extent. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo systematic evaluations to assess the condition and receive targeted treatment under a physician’s guidance.
