Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): A Preventable Threat to Your Heart

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease

RHD develops years after an untreated strep infection, so early detection is crucial. Symptoms include:

✅ Shortness of breath – Even with mild activities

✅ Chest pain – Due to valve damage

✅ Fatigue – Feeling excessively tired

✅ Swollen legs or feet – Due to poor heart function

✅ Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) – A sign of advanced disease

✅ Fainting or dizziness – Due to improper blood circulation

Why is RHD Dangerous?

If left untreated, RHD can lead to:

❌ Heart failure – The heart struggles to pump blood efficiently

❌ Valve damage – Leading to leakage or narrowing of heart valves

❌ Stroke or blood clots – Due to irregular blood flow

❌ Infective endocarditis – A life-threatening infection of damaged valves

Treatment of Rheumatic Heart Disease

While valve damage is irreversible, treatment focuses on preventing complications and improving heart function.

1️⃣ Medical Management

🩺 Antibiotics – To prevent recurrent strep infections (Penicillin prophylaxis)

💊 Anti-inflammatory medications – To reduce swelling in the heart

❤️ Blood thinners – If there’s valve disease with clot risk

2️⃣ Surgical Treatment (For Severe Cases)

🔹 Balloon Valvuloplasty – A minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed valves

🔹 Valve Repair – Restoring damaged valves

🔹 Valve Replacement – Using a mechanical or tissue valve to replace a failing valve

How to Prevent Rheumatic Heart Disease?

✅ Early treatment of sore throat – A simple antibiotic course can prevent RHD

✅ Regular follow-ups – Especially for those with a history of strep infections

✅ Penicillin prophylaxis – Lifelong antibiotics in some cases to prevent recurrence

✅ Healthy lifestyle – Proper diet, exercise, and avoiding infections help maintain heart health

Final Takeaway

Rheumatic Heart Disease is entirely preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of heart valve damage in young adults. Timely treatment of strep throat can save a lifetime of heart trouble. If you or your loved ones experience symptoms, seek medical help immediately!

💙 Your heart matters—protect it early!

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