Rheumatic Heart Disease

 Rheumatic Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition where the heart valves are permanently damaged due to rheumatic fever. Let’s break it down:

1. Cause: Rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease, triggers this condition. It often results from untreated or undertreated streptococcal infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. An immune response leads to inflammation, which scars the heart valves over time.

2. Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever:

   • Fever
   • Swollen, painful joints (often knees and ankles)
   • Skin nodules (lumps under the skin)
   • Lattice-like rash on the chest, back, and belly
   • Shortness of breath, chest discomfort
   • Uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles
   • Weakness

3. Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease:

   • Shortness of breath (especially with activity or lying down)
   • Chest pain
   • Swelling

4. Diagnosis:

   • Recent history of strep infection or rheumatic fever is crucial.
   • Tests include echocardiogram (echo) to assess heart valves, along with physical exams and blood tests.

5. Risk Factors:

   • Untreated or undertreated strep infections increase the risk.
   • Children with repeated strep throat infections are most vulnerable.

Remember, early detection and proper management are essential to prevent complications like heart failure or stroke¹². If you suspect rheumatic heart disease, seek medical attention promptly.

What are common symptoms of cardiovascular diseases?

 

Common Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the heart and blood vessels. While some individuals may be asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all), others may experience symptoms related to specific heart issues or blockages in blood vessels throughout the body. Here are common symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases:

1. Heart Issues:

   • Chest Pain (Angina): Described as pressure, heaviness, or discomfort in the chest, sometimes like a “belt around the chest” or a “weight on the chest.”
   • Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea).
   • Dizziness or Fainting.
   • Fatigue or Exhaustion.

2. Blockages in Blood Vessels:

   • Leg Pain or Cramps: Especially when walking.
   • Leg Sores That Don’t Heal.
   • Cool or Red Skin on Legs.
   • Swelling in Legs.
   • Numbness in the Face or Limbs (often on one side of the body).
   • Difficulty with Talking, Seeing, or Walking.

3. Stroke Symptoms:

   • Sudden Weakness of the Face, Arm, or Leg (usually on one side of the body).
   • Confusion or Difficulty Speaking.
   • Vision Problems (in one or both eyes).
   • Difficulty Walking, Dizziness, or Loss of Balance.
   • Severe Headache with No Known Cause.
   • Fainting or Unconsciousness.

Remember, if you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical care immediately¹²³. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing cardiovascular diseases.

What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

 Certainly! Let’s delve into the critical risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. These factors play a significant role in shaping our health outcomes:

1. Unhealthy Diet: What we eat profoundly impacts our cardiovascular health. Consuming excessive saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars can raise cholesterol levels, contribute to obesity, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to our hearts. Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy blood pressure, manage weight, and improve overall cardiovascular fitness. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

3. Tobacco Use: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are major risk factors. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and accelerates the buildup of plaque in arteries. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Harmful Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake harms the heart and liver. Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men).

5. Air Pollution: Environmental factors matter too. Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can contribute to heart disease and stroke. Reducing exposure to pollution is crucial.

6. Intermediate Risk Factors: These factors serve as warning signs. They include:

   • Raised Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) strains the heart and blood vessels. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help manage it.
   • Raised Blood Glucose: Diabetes or prediabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Controlling blood sugar levels is essential.
   • Raised Blood Lipids: Elevated cholesterol levels (especially LDL cholesterol)