General Information About Rheumatic Heart Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where antibodies produced against a past bacterial infection mistakenly attack the heart muscle and its valves, leaving permanent damage.
It usually appears 2-4 weeks after severe, untreated throat infections (BETA infection) experienced in children between the ages of 5 and 15.
Migratory joint pains, fever, skin rashes, and shortness of breath are seen in the acute period. In later years, palpitations and fatigue due to heart valve damage begin.
It most commonly affects the Mitral valve on the left side of the heart, followed by the Aortic valve; the valves become calcified and stick together.
A heart murmur heard with a stethoscope raises suspicion. Thickening and leakages in the valves are clearly detected with Echocardiography (ECHO).
Long-term (sometimes lifelong) penicillin injections are provided to stop the inflammation. If the valve is completely damaged, the valve is repaired or a metal/biological prosthetic valve is inserted via open-heart surgery.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
