How does one get rheumatic heart disease?

Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

Updated on September 14, 2024

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Rheumatic heart disease is a type of organic heart disease caused by the body's abnormal reaction to infection with hemolytic streptococcus, leading to valve damage and the occurrence of rheumatic heart disease. It is directly related to upper respiratory tract infections and tonsillitis. To prevent the occurrence of heart disease, it is important to control infections early. Upon the appearance of upper respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, or tonsillar suppuration, timely selection of effective antibiotics for treatment can control the infection early and prevent the onset of rheumatic heart disease.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

36sec

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Can rheumatic heart disease heal itself?

Rheumatic heart disease cannot heal itself, because it is caused by pathological damage to the heart valves, leading to narrowing of the valves and incomplete closure. Through careful treatment and management, clinical symptoms can be alleviated, but it cannot heal itself. Those with rheumatic heart disease must take it seriously, try to reduce the burden on the kidneys, and minimize colds. Eating easily digestible food, reducing the burden on the heart, and adhering to a low-salt, low-fat diet are recommended.

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Written by Wang Lei

Cardiology

50sec

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Do patients with rheumatic heart disease fear catching a cold?

Rheumatic heart disease is mainly caused by infections from hemolytic streptococci, leading to heart valve abnormalities and changes in cardiac function and structure. The condition most commonly affects the mitral valve, resulting in mitral regurgitation. Patients often exhibit symptoms of heart failure. Exposure to cold or catching a cold can exacerbate the burden on the heart, leading to increased cardiac load and worsening symptoms of heart failure. Therefore, patients with rheumatic heart disease are particularly susceptible and fearful of catching colds. It is crucial for these patients to stay warm, use medication promptly when symptoms of a cold appear, and avoid vigorous exercise to prevent an increased cardiac load and potential acute heart failure. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

34sec

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Can rheumatic heart disease cause fever?

Rheumatic heart disease, in the early stages of onset, can present with fever. The main cause of rheumatic heart disease is due to an infection with streptococcus that causes damage to the heart valves. Initially, bacterial infection is the most prominent clinical manifestation, with common diseases like tonsillitis. If effective medication is applied to control the infection at this time, it can reduce the occurrence of rheumatic heart disease. If not treated promptly, it can lead to damage to the heart valves, resulting in rheumatic heart disease.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

42sec

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Can patients with rheumatic heart disease eat spicy food?

Patients with rheumatic heart disease should not consume spicy foods, including chili peppers. Chili peppers are considered heat-inducing foods that can cause an increase in heart rate, thereby exacerbating the burden on the heart. They can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen the clinical symptoms of rheumatic heart disease. Patients with rheumatic heart disease should focus on a diet that is bland, easy to digest, and high in vitamins, fiber, and quality protein. They should avoid spicy and greasy foods, consume fewer nuts, and eat more vegetables, which can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the burden on the heart.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

50sec

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Can rheumatic heart disease be cured?

There are many clinical treatment methods for rheumatic heart disease, which can improve the quality of life and clinical symptoms of patients with rheumatic heart disease through dietary therapy, but cannot cure it, as rheumatic heart disease involves pathological changes in the valves. Currently, surgery is commonly used in the clinic to treat rheumatic heart disease, to improve the patient's quality of life, enhance cardiac comfort, and improve heart function. Therefore, patients with rheumatic heart disease should not overly rely on folk remedies for a cure, need to pay attention to rest, avoid overexertion to prevent increasing the cardiac burden, and treatment should be under the guidance of a doctor, using different medications according to individual characteristics.