About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a chronic condition resulting from acute rheumatic fever (ARF), an inflammatory reaction to untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection.
Causes and Pathophysiology
- Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF): Triggered by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection.
- Autoimmune Reaction: The immune system mistakenly attacks heart valves, leading to fibrosis and scarring over time.
- Valve Damage: Primarily affects the mitral valve, leading to stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage).
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Swelling in the legs
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography: Gold standard for detecting valve damage.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects associated arrhythmias.
- Blood Tests: Look for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP).
- Throat Cultures: Identify Group A Streptococcus.
Treatment and Prevention
- Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Long-term penicillin injections to prevent recurrence.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: Aspirin or corticosteroids for acute inflammation.
- Surgical Interventions: Valve repair or replacement in severe cases.
- Public Health Measures: Improve access to healthcare, early antibiotic treatment for streptococcal infections, and vaccination research.
Conclusion
Early detection and long-term management of rheumatic fever can prevent the progression to RHD, reduce complications, and improve quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000921
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17446442/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000205
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/contemporary-diagnosis-and-management-of-rheumatic-heart-disease
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0201/p346.html
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Infective Endocarditis and Rheumatic Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-16/Indications-for-antibiotic-prophylaxis-to-prevent-infective-endocarditis-in-adults
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-16/vol16no33
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000296
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/36/44/3075/2293384
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.