Have you Heard of Rheumatic Heart Disease and Rheumatic Fever ?

Rheumatic heart disease(RHD) is a condition or illness which left untreated for longer time then, can cause permanent heart damage. This disease is observed in many countries of world, especially developing countries where poverty is widespread, as the most common acquired heart disease in children. Basically rheumatic fever causes inflammation of connective tissues of body especially, those of the heart, joints,brain or skin. Rheumatic fever is caused by a preceding group A streptococcal infection. This infection usually occurs in children between the age group of 5 to 15 years. It has been proved that, 60% of people with rheumatic disease can develop subsequent heart disease. 

Symptoms of RHD : 

If the child is suffering from RHD then, there must be possibility that he or she have symptoms related to aortic or mitral valve abnormalities. The symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, burning sensation in chest, swollen wrists, etc. 

Rheumatic Heart Disease 

Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnosis: 

When it comes to diagnosis of this condition, your doctor will check for the any possibility of strep infections or any recent occur-ance of sore throat and even doctor can often hear a heart murmur through stethoscope while physical examination. During the exam, your child’s doctor will look for signs of inflammation in your child’s joints.

The doctor will ask for details about your child’s symptoms, their health history and your family health history. Your doctor may order a throat culture or a blood test to check for strep throat or signs of a recent strep infection, as well as performing other blood tests from pathology labs in India.

Further to check for normal functioning of heart and find information about heart doctor can also suggest exams which includes X-ray chest,echocardiogram and electrocardiogram or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the heart. Known as an ECG or EKG, is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart to show the rate and rhythm. 

Treatment : 

Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (the prevention of initial attack) is achieved by treatment of acute throat infections caused by group A streptococcus. This is achieved by up to 10 days of an oral antibiotic (usually penicillin) or a single intramuscular penicillin injection. And secondary involves regular administration of antibiotics, and has to be continued for many years.