HEART VALVE DAMAGE FROM PAST RHEUMATIC FEVER
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Heart valve damage from past rheumatic fever, leading to breathlessness, palpitations and heart failure over time. Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis and valve care protect heart function.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is permanent damage to the heart valves resulting from one or more episodes of rheumatic fever, which itself is an inflammatory reaction following streptococcal throat infection. The mitral valve is most commonly affected, followed by the aortic valve. Damaged valves may become narrowed (stenosis), leaky (regurgitation) or both. Over time, this leads to symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations, fatigue, leg swelling and reduced exercise tolerance, with risk of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and infective endocarditis. Rheumatic heart disease remains an important cause of valvular heart disease in many regions of the world, including parts of India. Management includes long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent further rheumatic fever attacks, treatment of heart failure and arrhythmias, anticoagulation if needed and valve repair or replacement when indicated. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive medical care and cardiology coordination at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Past episode(s) of rheumatic fever, usually in childhood
- Streptococcal throat infection triggering the immune response
- Recurrent rheumatic fever attacks worsening valve damage
- Lack of antibiotic treatment for streptococcal sore throat
- Crowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare
- Genetic susceptibility in some populations
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical examination, ECG, echocardiography and blood tests
Most commonly mitral, then aortic; tricuspid less common
Antibiotic prophylaxis, heart failure management, valve care
Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and endocarditis
Prompt antibiotic treatment of strep throat in children
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Long-Term Antibiotic Prophylaxis with Heart Care
The most effective approach combines long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent further rheumatic fever attacks, optimal management of heart failure and arrhythmias, anticoagulation when needed, and timely cardiology and surgical referral for valve assessment and intervention.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews your history of rheumatic fever and current symptoms, examines the heart and arranges ECG and echocardiography.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised long-term plan is created including antibiotic prophylaxis, heart failure management and cardiology / cardiac surgical referral as needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis, heart failure medical therapy, anticoagulation where indicated and management of arrhythmias.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular cardiology follow-up, echocardiographic monitoring and ongoing care to track valve function and prevent complications.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Long-Term Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Regular antibiotic prophylaxis is given to prevent further attacks of rheumatic fever, which would worsen valve damage.
Heart Failure Management
Standard heart failure medical therapy is used to control symptoms and protect heart function.
Anticoagulation if AF
Patients who develop atrial fibrillation are given anticoagulation to reduce the risk of stroke.
Valve Repair or Replacement When Indicated (Referral for cardiac surgical evaluation)
Severely affected valves may need surgical repair or replacement under specialist cardiac care.
Regular Cardiac Follow-up
Regular review with echocardiography helps track valve function, detect complications and plan further treatment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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