What Causes Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a common cardiac condition affecting numerous individuals today, and its associated health risks are substantial. Without timely and effective treatment, RHD can become life-threatening.

What Causes Rheumatic Heart Disease?

The underlying cause of rheumatic heart disease is often linked to rheumatic fever—a systemic inflammatory disorder triggered by infection with group A or B hemolytic streptococci, particularly in individuals with compromised immunity. Recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever lead to inflammatory involvement of the heart, primarily affecting the cardiac valves. Although clinical studies suggest a certain degree of genetic predisposition to RHD, environmental factors play a predominant role. Cold, damp living conditions; poor nutrition; and inadequate or delayed treatment contribute to recurrent rheumatic fever episodes, ultimately resulting in valvular fibrosis, stenosis, or regurgitation—thereby impairing cardiac function and potentially progressing to heart failure.

Clinically, patients commonly present with palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and dyspnea; severe cases may even result in sudden cardiac death. Therefore, during the acute phase of the disease, prompt antibiotic therapy is essential. If heart failure is present, aggressive management to correct cardiac decompensation is required. Treatment strategies for RHD should be individualized: mild cases may only require careful monitoring and supportive care, whereas severe cases often necessitate timely surgical intervention.

Patients are advised to follow a light, easily digestible diet in daily life and to limit salt intake to avoid increasing cardiac workload. We hope this information proves helpful to you.