Rheumatic Heart Disease Symptoms And Their Impact On Health

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a long-term complication that arises from repeated episodes of acute rheumatic fever. This condition typically affects the heart valves, especially the mitral valve, due to chronic inflammation and damage caused by the immune system's response to untreated streptococcal infections.

How Rheumatic Heart Disease Develops

Over time, recurring inflammation and turbulent blood flow through the heart can lead to structural changes in the heart valves. These changes include thickening, scarring, and fusion of the mitral valve leaflets, as well as shortening and calcification of the chordae tendineae. These abnormalities impair the proper function of the valve, resulting in mitral regurgitation or stenosis.

Common Symptoms Of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Patients often experience exertional dyspnea—shortness of breath and labored breathing during physical activity, while remaining symptom-free at rest. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

Additional Signs And Systemic Effects

Beyond respiratory symptoms, individuals may also suffer from systemic effects including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine output, fatigue, and peripheral edema, particularly in the lower extremities. These manifestations are often linked to the development of pulmonary congestion due to long-standing pulmonary hypertension.

Understanding The Progression To Heart Failure

The chronic elevation of pressure in the pulmonary arteries leads to progressive damage to the left side of the heart. This results in left ventricular dysfunction and ultimately contributes to the onset of congestive heart failure. Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate medical intervention are crucial in managing the condition and preventing further deterioration of cardiac function.