Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment What Medications Are Used

Rheumatic heart disease requires a carefully managed treatment plan that varies depending on the stage and severity of the condition. During the acute phase, patients often experience intense joint pain and early signs of heart involvement. Doctors may detect abnormal heart sounds or murmurs during this time. Common symptoms include various types of tachycardia. Medical professionals typically prescribe high-dose aspirin in the form of effervescent tablets along with antibiotics to combat rheumatic fever. In some cases, corticosteroids might be necessary to manage severe inflammation.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

As symptoms begin to improve, the focus shifts to preventing future rheumatic fever episodes that could further damage heart valves. It's crucial to understand that valve damage accumulates over multiple rheumatic episodes. While a single incident might cause minimal harm, repeated attacks can significantly affect valve structure and function. Monthly intramuscular injections of long-acting penicillin become an essential part of the treatment regimen during this phase. This prophylactic approach helps protect cardiac health while medical teams monitor structural changes in the heart.

Severe Cases and Surgical Intervention

When rheumatic heart disease progresses to advanced stages, significant valve deformation and functional impairment may occur. In these severe cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Cardiac surgeons typically replace damaged valves with either bioprosthetic (tissue) valves or mechanical valves. This critical procedure restores normal heart function and improves quality of life for patients with severe valve damage. The choice between biological and mechanical valves depends on various factors including patient age, overall health status, and lifestyle considerations.