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What is the most common serious complication of rheumatic heart disease?

What is the most common serious complication of rheumatic heart disease?

The major cause of death and disability from RHD is heart failure. Over time, scarred and damaged heart valves make it impossible for the heart to pump blood effectively. Without a well-functioning heart, fluid builds up in the lungs and body, causing symptoms like breathlessness, swelling and fatigue.

Is rheumatic heart disease permanent?

There is no cure for rheumatic heart disease and the damage to the heart valves are permanent. Patients with severe rheumatic heart disease will often require surgery to replace or repair the damages valve or valves.

Is rheumatic heart disease fatal?

Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic, disabling and sometimes fatal disease that is entirely preventable.

What happens if rheumatic heart disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart valve damage, stroke, heart failure, and death. Treatment of advanced disease requires costly surgery unavailable in many parts of the world.

How long can you live with rheumatic heart disease?

Those who had mild RHD at diagnosis had the most favorable prognosis, with over 60% remaining mild after 10 years, and 10% being inactive by the end of the 14‐year study period. Nonetheless, nearly 30% of this group demonstrated disease progression (18.3% moderate, 11.4% severe, half of whom had surgery) by 10 years.

What are the long-term effects of rheumatic heart disease?

Serious Complications Include Long-term Heart Damage If rheumatic fever is not treated promptly, long-term heart damage (called rheumatic heart disease) may occur. Rheumatic heart disease weakens the valves between the chambers of the heart. Severe rheumatic heart disease can require heart surgery and result in death.

What is the treatment for rheumatic heart disease?

Antibiotic therapy has sharply reduced the incidence and mortality rate of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease. To reduce inflammation, aspirin, steroids, or non-steroidal medications may be given. Surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged valve.

Is walking good for rheumatic heart disease?

Living Well with Rheumatic Disease: Exercise Exercising can help rheumatology patients decrease pain and reduce disease symptoms, and can make a substantial contribution to overall flexibility. Plus, it will improve their mental outlook.

How do you know if you have rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic Heart Disease Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of rheumatic fever, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease, include: Swelling, redness and pain in the joints. An inflammation of the heart muscle and tissue, causing a rapid heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. Fever.

What food should not to eat if you have rheumatic heart disease?

Foods to Avoid When Living with a Rheumatic Disease

  • Tobacco. Although not a food, consuming tobacco via smoking or chewing is highly detrimental to rheumatic diseases.
  • Alcohol. Over accumulation of uric acid can contribute to gout.
  • Processed Sugar.
  • Processed Foods.
  • Gluten.
  • Dairy.
  • Nightshades.

What are the long term effects of rheumatic heart disease?

What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?

These are the most common symptoms of rheumatic fever: Swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees and ankles Red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease depend on the degree of valve damage and may include:

Is there a cure for rheumatic heart disease?

There is no cure for rheumatic heart disease and the damage to the heart valves are permanent. Patients with severe rheumatic heart disease will often require surgery to replace or repair the damages valve or valves.

How to manage heart pain with rheumatoid arthritis?

Try to use the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time possible needed to manage your pain. Turn to alternate pain relief methods, such as heat, ice, or physical therapy. When you have RA, your heart deserves special attention. Ask your rheumatologist and primary care provider what kinds of screening you need.

How many people die each year from rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic heart disease and claims over 288 348 lives each year – the large majority in low- or middle-income countries. The disease results from damage to heart valves caused by one or several episodes of rheumatic fever, an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to throat infection with group A streptococci (streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat).