Rheumatic Heart Disease Symptoms And What You Need To Know

Rheumatic heart disease is a serious condition that primarily affects the heart's valves, often resulting from untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infections. The most common symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and difficulty breathing during physical activity. These symptoms tend to worsen over time, especially if the condition is left untreated.

Understanding The Progression Of Symptoms

Patients with rheumatic heart disease may experience varying symptoms depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, especially when the heart is still compensating, individuals may not notice any significant symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, signs of heart failure become more apparent.

Signs During The Rheumatic Activity Phase

During the active phase of rheumatic fever, which often precedes heart damage, individuals may experience joint swelling and pain, sore throat, and mild fever caused by streptococcal infection. These symptoms can be misleading, as they resemble those of less serious illnesses, making early diagnosis crucial to prevent long-term heart damage.

Heart Valve Damage And Its Effects

Once valve damage occurs, the type and severity of symptoms depend on which valve is affected and the extent of the damage. For example, mitral valve or aortic valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) can lead to significant complications. Over time, the heart enlarges as it works harder to pump blood efficiently, eventually leading to acute or chronic heart failure.

Patients often report increased breathlessness, especially during exertion or when lying flat. This is a key indicator of worsening heart function and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.