Is rheumatic heart disease serious?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xin
Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease is a relatively serious heart condition. It refers to cardiac lesions caused by damage to the heart valves due to rheumatic inflammation. It is generally associated with infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and commonly manifests as symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The condition often occurs in spring and in cold, damp environments.
Rheumatic heart disease is a relatively serious heart condition.
Rheumatic heart disease refers to cardiac damage caused by rheumatic inflammation affecting the heart valves. It is generally associated with infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and commonly presents symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath, often occurring in spring or under cold, damp environmental conditions. Rheumatic heart disease usually cannot be completely cured and tends to affect multiple heart valves. It primarily causes stenosis and insufficiency of the mitral and aortic valves, leading to abnormal cardiac ejection function and resulting in heart failure. Structural changes in the heart can also lead to conduction abnormalities, causing various arrhythmias, with ventricular fibrillation being the most common. Therefore, rheumatic heart disease is considered a severe cardiac disorder. Treatment should be actively pursued under medical supervision using medications such as diuretics, cardiotonics, and vasodilators—for example, amoxicillin capsules and nitroglycerin—along with adjunctive use of enteric-coated aspirin tablets.
Patients with rheumatic heart disease are advised to strengthen daily care: adjust clothing promptly according to seasonal changes to prevent colds and infections; avoid excessive fatigue and ensure adequate sleep. A light and easily digestible diet is recommended in daily life.
