Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a chronic condition that arises from damage to the heart valves due to an episode of acute rheumatic fever. This inflammatory disease primarily targets the heart, joints, skin, and brain, potentially leading to severe health issues like heart failure if not promptly addressed. Here, we explore the causes, risk factors, and essential prevention strategies for RHD.
What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
RHD results from damage to the heart valves following acute rheumatic fever, which itself stems from untreated or poorly managed streptococcal throat infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rheumatic fever is an immune response to infection by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, and while the fever itself is not contagious, the bacteria can still be spread by someone who is infected.
“The process begins with a strep throat infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria,” explains Experts. “In its attempt to fight the streptococcal bacteria, the immune system may mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and scarring of the heart valves. This autoimmune response is what causes the chronic and progressive nature of RHD.”
Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease vary based on the extent of valve damage and can include fever, painful and swollen joints, lumps under the skin, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.
Risk Factors for Rheumatic Heart Disease
Experts identifies several key risk factors for RHD:
- Frequent or Untreated Strep Throat Infections: The primary risk factor for rheumatic fever, and subsequently RHD, is recurrent or untreated strep throat infections.
- Socioeconomic Factors: RHD is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare is limited, and awareness about the importance of treating strep throat infections is low.
- Age: Rheumatic fever most commonly affects children between the ages of 5-15. Symptoms of heart damage may not manifest until years after the initial infection and fever.
- Genetics: A family history of rheumatic fever or RHD can increase an individual’s risk due to genetic predisposition to autoimmune reactions following streptococcal infections.
- Living Conditions: Crowded or unsanitary living conditions where streptococcal infections are common heighten the risk of repeated strep throat infections, leading to rheumatic fever and RHD.
“People often do not realize they have rheumatic heart disease until they encounter cardiac difficulties later in life,” adds Experts. “RHD can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, stroke, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, irregular heart rhythms, and endocarditis.”
Prevention, Treatment, and Awareness
“Rheumatic heart disease can be prevented through early detection and consistent antibiotic use to treat strep throat infections and prevent rheumatic fever,” highlights Experts. “The treatment approach depends on the extent of heart valve damage. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to repair or replace significantly damaged valves. Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart attack.”
Raising awareness about the symptoms of strep throat and the importance of seeking medical treatment is crucial in reducing the incidence of untreated infections and subsequent RHD.
Bottom Line
“In regions where RHD is prevalent, regular check-ups for children can facilitate early detection and management of strep throat infections and rheumatic fever,” concludes Experts. “Understanding the causes and risk factors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for affected individuals and communities.”
By prioritizing early intervention and increasing awareness, the incidence of RHD can be significantly reduced, ensuring better long-term health for many.
