Rheumatic Heart Disease And Its Associated Complications

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) not only affects the heart valves directly but also leads to a series of complications involving the heart and other organs. The heart is typically the first organ impacted. Mitral valve stenosis, a common consequence of RHD, impairs the heart's pumping ability and can lead to heart failure — one of the most prevalent complications. As the valve narrows, pressure builds up in the atrium, often triggering atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat that can worsen heart failure.

Impact On The Pulmonary System

The increased pressure in the atrium, particularly the left atrium, affects blood flow from the pulmonary circulation to the heart. This can result in pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary congestion, and potentially pulmonary edema. As pressure continues to rise in the pulmonary system, elevated venous pressure can cause symptoms such as coughing and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

Risk Of Systemic Embolism

Mitral stenosis also reduces blood flow efficiency in both the systemic and pulmonary circulations, increasing the risk of blood clots and embolic events. Patients with RHD-related mitral stenosis are especially prone to developing atrial fibrillation and left atrial thrombi, which significantly increase the likelihood of cerebral embolism — a leading cause of stroke in these individuals.

Conclusion

In summary, rheumatic heart disease can lead to a cascade of complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, and stroke due to systemic embolism. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial in preventing these life-threatening conditions and improving long-term outcomes for patients.