Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease is basically a heart condition in which the heart valves are damaged by rheumatic fever. In many cases, open-heart surgery for rheumatic heart disease is the only option. As in all ailments, early detection and treatment is the best prescription. When rheumatic fever is diagnosed, anti-biotic and bed rest will help to prevent damage to the heart.

About Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever affects the body's soft connective tissues, especially those in the areas of the heart, joints, brain and skin. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease arising from streptococcus infection. It begins with a strep throat, tonsillitis or pharyngitis. In rare cases, rheumatic fever develops, usually due to non-treatment or insufficient treatment of the infection. Rheumatic fever can be prevented by prompt treatment of upper respiratory infections.

Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease

The most serious symptom is rapid and often irregular heartbeat. This is indicative of heart inflammation but not necessary permanent damage. In the early stages of rheumatic fever, the symptoms include sweating, malaise, rashes, abdominal pain, migratory arthritis, nosebleed, facial grimacing and muscular twitching, swollen and painfully joints, anemia, pallor, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease

In many cases, the doctor is likely to recommend surgery for rheumatic heart disease. Surgery for rheumatic heart disease is necessary to repair the damaged valve. Surgery for rheumatic heart disease is generally only used in advanced cases. The prognosis is often good with improved heart function or even cures.

However, it is desirable to avoid surgery for rheumatic heart disease, prevention being the best policy. Rheumatic fever affects mostly children between the age of seven and fifteen. It cripples children and often causes death. Requiring surgery for rheumatic heart disease is obviously traumatic for both patient and the parents. Hence, proper treatment of throat and respiratory infection is important.

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