What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?
Disease description:
Recently, I read online that recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever can lead to rheumatic heart disease. I would like to ask, what are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Rheumatic heart disease is a valvular disorder caused by rheumatic fever, primarily affecting the function of heart valves. Its main symptoms include palpitations and shortness of breath, which are particularly noticeable after physical activity or exertion. The following symptoms may also be present:
1. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired even after mild activity.
2. Difficulty breathing: Patients may experience shortness of breath after activity or while lying down.
3. Palpitations: Sensation of abnormal or rapid heartbeat.
4. Fainting or dizziness: Caused by insufficient blood supply from the heart leading to oxygen deficiency in the brain.
5. Coughing: Particularly at night or while lying down, possibly accompanied by white or pink frothy sputum.
6. Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds: Mainly caused by reduced oxygen content in the blood.
7. Arrhythmias: Such as atrial fibrillation, which causes the patient to feel irregular or excessively rapid heartbeats.
In severe cases, symptoms of heart failure such as leg swelling and liver enlargement may also appear. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life and work; therefore, prompt medical attention should be sought upon their occurrence.
