Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves are damaged as a result of complications from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can affect various organs of the body.
Rheumatic heart disease needs to be treated immediately and the treatment will be adjusted to the damage that occurs. If not treated immediately, rheumatic heart disease has the potential to cause heart failure and even death.
Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Symptoms that appear in each person can be different, depending on the severity of the disease and the damage caused to the heart. Damage to the heart can cause symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath, especially when exercising or lying down.
- arrhythmia.
- Chest pain.
- Tired quickly.
As previously mentioned, rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever. So before the patient experiences symptoms of rheumatic heart disease, the patient will first experience symptoms of rheumatic fever, such as:
- Fever.
- Sweating.
- Nosebleed.
- Throw up.
- There is pain in the stomach.
- Enlarged lymph nodes or lumps in the neck.
- Joint inflammation, especially in the ankles and knees.
Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever, which is caused by a bacterial throat infection Streptococcus type A. Transmission of infection Streptococcus Type A can occur directly through the splash of saliva or phlegm that comes out when an infected person sneezes or coughs. In addition to direct, transmission can also occur through objects contaminated with bacteria.
Rheumatic heart disease can occur at any age, but is most common in children aged 5-15 years.
Diagnosis of Rheumatic Heart Disease
First, the doctor will examine the symptoms that appear, medical history, and the patient's condition thoroughly. After that, the diagnosis process is continued by confirming that there is a throat infection caused by bacteria Streptococcus type A.
In detecting bacteria, the doctor will perform a blood test and a bacterial culture test by taking a sample from a swab or swab swab throat.
After that, the diagnosis process can be continued by conducting a series of tests to check the condition of the heart. Some of the tests used, namely:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac MRI
Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment
Treatment of rheumatic heart disease will be adjusted to the damage that occurs to the heart. In this case, the patient is advised to first consult a doctor. The doctor will determine the appropriate treatment method and according to the patient's condition.
Treatment of rheumatic heart disease can be in the form of medication. Drugs used to treat rheumatic heart disease include:
- Antibiotics, like penicillin. Antibiotics are given to kill bacteria Streptococcus type A.
- Aspirin, This drug is given to relieve inflammation.
- Corticosteroids, as prednisone. Administration of this class of corticosteroid drugs also aims to relieve inflammation that occurs.
If the drug is not effective or the condition worsens, treatment can be done by surgery. The operation is carried out in the form of repair or replacement of heart valves, depending on the existing conditions. Discuss further appropriate surgery and the benefits and risks of undergoing such surgery.
Complications of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease that does not get treatment has the potential to cause complications, including:
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia
- Pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Endocarditis
Prevention of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease can be prevented by avoiding various infectious factors Streptococcus which is the beginning of the emergence of rheumatic heart disease. Efforts that can be made include:
- Wash hands after activity.
- Adopt a healthy diet.
- Enough rest.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
