Rheumatic Heart Disease Symptoms And Their Impact On The Body

Rheumatic heart disease primarily affects the heart muscle, valves, and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and pericardial tamponade. These conditions manifest through a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's health and quality of life.

Heart Failure Symptoms

Heart failure is one of the most common manifestations of rheumatic heart disease. It typically presents in two forms—left-sided and right-sided heart failure, each with distinct symptoms:

Left-Sided Heart Failure

Patients often experience exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath during physical activity), orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (sudden shortness of breath at night). In severe cases, this can progress to pulmonary edema, which is a life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

Additionally, reduced cardiac output can lead to organ ischemia. For example, kidney ischemia may cause oliguria or anuria (reduced or no urine output), cerebral ischemia can result in dizziness and visual disturbances, and gastrointestinal ischemia may present as indigestion or abdominal discomfort.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

This form of heart failure typically causes systemic congestion, including gastrointestinal blood congestion and peripheral edema (swelling in the lower extremities). Patients may also experience fatigue and weight gain due to fluid retention.

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are another common complication of rheumatic heart disease. These irregular heartbeats can cause symptoms such as chest tightness and palpitations. In more severe cases, patients may experience syncope (fainting), visual disturbances like blackouts, and in extreme situations, sudden cardiac death.

Pericardial Tamponade

Pericardial tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart and impairing its ability to function properly. Symptoms may include hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), diaphoresis (excessive sweating), pallor (pale skin), and signs of circulatory collapse. This condition requires immediate medical attention.