Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease
What are the signs of rheumatic heart disease?
The symptoms of rheumatic heart disease are difficult to notice, but doctors can make the diagnosis using a series of tests. These tests include an electrocardiogram, which records the electrical activity of the heart. It can also show if there is damage to the heart’s valves or muscle. Blood tests may also be used to detect inflammation or infection in the heart.
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by damage to the heart muscle. The damage can be severe or mild, and the symptoms depend on the area of the heart affected. In severe cases, a heart valve may rupture, requiring surgery.
What happens if you have rheumatic heart disease?
There are various tests and treatments to detect rheumatic heart disease. The tests may include an electrocardiogram (which records electrical activity in the heart), a chest x-ray (which shows the size of the heart and its valves), or blood tests to look for inflammation and infection. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation in the body and heart.
Rheumatic heart disease is a serious condition that affects the heart valves and can be life-threatening. It is caused by an autoimmune response to group A strep bacteria (the same bacteria that causes scarlet fever and strep throat). Inflammation in the body’s tissues can damage heart valves, causing the heart to become swollen and dysfunctional.
Is rheumatic heart disease serious?
Rheumatic heart disease affects the heart valves, which control blood flow to and from the body. If one of these valves is damaged, then the blood can leak into the heart and cause it to become inflamed. Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease can vary greatly. Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease and where the damage is occurring.
Rheumatic heart disease is often not recognized until later in life. Although there is no known cure for this disease, it can be controlled and managed by taking prescription medicines and other treatments. In serious cases, surgery may be needed to replace the damaged heart valves. However, surgery can be expensive and difficult to obtain for people in low-income areas.
How do you test for rheumatic heart disease?
An electrocardiogram is one of the most important tests to check for rheumatic heart disease. This procedure records the electrical activity of the heart, and it can detect heart valve damage and infections. Other tests include a chest x-ray, which can measure the size of the heart. A cardiac MRI is another test to look at the heart in more detail. Blood tests can also help determine the presence of inflammation. In severe cases, medications may be required.
Rheumatic heart disease is typically diagnosed after a strep infection. While you may not notice symptoms during your first visit to a doctor, he or she may order a blood test to determine if you’ve contracted strep. A blood test for strep antibodies is also useful in determining whether you have rheumatic heart disease.
What foods to avoid if you have RHD?
The first thing you should do is to limit your intake of certain foods. These types of foods have been linked to inflammation. You should also avoid certain types of meats and dairy products. Monosodium glutamate, a chemical ingredient found in many foods, is known to cause inflammation. This chemical should be avoided and you should always read the label on your food.
Another way to decrease your risk of developing rheumatic heart disease is to eat more whole grains. These types of grains have more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. It’s important to check labels to make sure that the whole grain is the primary ingredient.
