Rheumatic Heart Disease - Symptoms, Management and Prevention

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease is a preventable heart disease that develops as a complication of acute rheumatic fever. Recurrent throat or skin infection by group A streptococcus triggers your immune system to attack your body tissues, causing a rheumatic fever. Rheumatic heart disease can cause permanent damage to your heart valves, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Echocardiography is the key tool for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease and assessing the extent of valve damage and heart function. Treatment with penicillin may be required for an extended time in those who have significant heart damage. Poor living conditions, overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate nutrition can increase the likelihood of exposure to streptococcal infections.