What is rheumatic heart disease?
Apr 05, 2009
RHEUMATIC heart disease is a condition which permanently damages the valves of the heart, usually by scarring them. When scarred, the valves become less flexible and their ability to regulate blood flow also lowers. In severe cases, the valves may fail, c
RHEUMATIC heart disease is a condition which permanently damages the valves of the heart, usually by scarring them. When scarred, the valves become less flexible and their ability to regulate blood flow also lowers. In severe cases, the valves may fail, causing blood to pool and clot in one part of the heart.
Rheumatic heart disease results from rheumatic fever which is a result of chronic and/or untreated bacteria infections such as tonsillitis and strep throat.
Rheumatic fever, however, does not always result into the disease, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. The patient is given antibiotics possibly for life, to prevent another attack and damage to the heart.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever
Swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists
Nodules over swollen joints
Red, raised rash on the chest, back, and abdomen
Uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles
Weakness and shortness of breath
Worldwide, an estimated 30 million people are suffering from rheumatic heart disease especially in developing countries. When people live in damp, overcrowded conditions, their chances of catching and transmitting bacteria-borne throat infections is higher.
In addition, access to treatment in the developing world is lower, therefore these infections are more likely to progress into rheumatic fever and eventually rheumatic heart disease.
Although it affects all ages, it is commonest among three to 18-year-olds.
Through surgery, damaged valves can either be repaired or replaced. This kind of operation costs about $7,000 (about sh14m) in Mulago Hospital, but until Tuesday, the Mulago surgeons had not done it before. Often patients were referred to hospitals abroad where it would cost at least $25,000 (about sh50m).
Rheumatic heart disease results from rheumatic fever which is a result of chronic and/or untreated bacteria infections such as tonsillitis and strep throat.
Rheumatic fever, however, does not always result into the disease, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. The patient is given antibiotics possibly for life, to prevent another attack and damage to the heart.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever
Swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists
Nodules over swollen joints
Red, raised rash on the chest, back, and abdomen
Uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles
Weakness and shortness of breath
Worldwide, an estimated 30 million people are suffering from rheumatic heart disease especially in developing countries. When people live in damp, overcrowded conditions, their chances of catching and transmitting bacteria-borne throat infections is higher.
In addition, access to treatment in the developing world is lower, therefore these infections are more likely to progress into rheumatic fever and eventually rheumatic heart disease.
Although it affects all ages, it is commonest among three to 18-year-olds.
Through surgery, damaged valves can either be repaired or replaced. This kind of operation costs about $7,000 (about sh14m) in Mulago Hospital, but until Tuesday, the Mulago surgeons had not done it before. Often patients were referred to hospitals abroad where it would cost at least $25,000 (about sh50m).