Rheumatic Heart Disease: Protecting Damaged Heart Valves
Heart valve damage after rheumatic fever may become noticeable years later. Regular follow-up helps identify changes and prevent further problems.
Treatment at a glance
Preventing recurrence
Managing complications
Valve treatment
Care combines prevention of further rheumatic fever with monitoring and treatment of valve damage.
Before your consultation
Use these points to prepare for your consultation.
- Bring previous echo reports and records of rheumatic fever.
- Share details of any prescribed antibiotic schedule.
- Mention pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
Severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse or stroke symptoms need emergency care.
Understanding rheumatic heart disease
Heart valve damage after rheumatic fever may become noticeable years later. Regular follow-up helps identify changes and prevent further problems.
What it means
Rheumatic heart disease is lasting valve damage caused by rheumatic fever, an inflammatory reaction that can follow a streptococcal infection. Valves may become narrowed or leaky. The condition often begins in childhood, but breathlessness or other symptoms may appear much later.
Symptoms to recognise
Breathlessness during activity or when lying flat; Tiredness or reduced stamina; Swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen; A rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Treatment at a glance
Care combines prevention of further rheumatic fever with monitoring and treatment of valve damage.
When to seek care
Keep planned reviews even when you feel well. Seek advice before pregnancy because valve disease may need closer monitoring.
Symptoms to recognise
- Breathlessness during activity or when lying flat
- Tiredness or reduced stamina
- Swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
Causes and risk factors
Discuss your medical history and these factors during your assessment.
How it is assessed
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms and the findings of your assessment.
1. Clinical assessment
Your doctor asks about earlier fever, joint symptoms and treatment. An echocardiogram checks valve damage and its severity.
2. Tests and investigations
An ECG and other tests may assess rhythm or complications.
3. Further assessment
Not everyone remembers having rheumatic fever, so the scan findings are important.
Treatment approaches
Medical care and ongoing management
- Preventing recurrence: Long-term prescribed antibiotics may be needed to prevent further rheumatic fever. The schedule and duration are individual.
- Managing complications: Medicines may treat fluid build-up or rhythm problems. Some patients need anticoagulation to reduce clot risk.
Valve treatment
Selected narrowed valves may be suitable for balloon treatment. More severe damage may require valve repair or replacement.
Ask your specialist about the expected benefits, risks and alternatives for your circumstances.
When to seek care
Enquire about a valve assessment and review of any prescribed prevention plan.
Arrange a review
Plan your next consultation
- Keep planned reviews even when you feel well. Seek advice before pregnancy because valve disease may need closer monitoring.
Seek urgent care
Do not wait for a routine appointment when urgent warning signs occur.
- Severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse or stroke symptoms need emergency care.
Not Sure What You Need?
Enquire about a valve assessment and review of any prescribed prevention plan.
Talk to Care GuideDue for a rheumatic valve disease review?
Contact Mediversal Simran Hospital, Begusarai, about follow-up and bring your echo and treatment records.
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