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 Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

52sec

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Do people with rheumatic heart disease need to take medication regularly?

Patients with rheumatic heart disease should also maintain a light diet, especially avoiding spicy and irritating foods. It is important to monitor changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. If the heart rate is too fast or the blood pressure is high, it may sometimes be necessary to use medication for early intervention. Rheumatic heart disease mainly manifests as chest tightness and difficulty breathing, and sometimes it can also present as swelling of the lower limbs. With active treatment, these symptoms can normally be alleviated. It is also important to monitor changes in heart rate and pulse regularly. If there are any incidents or difficulty in breathing, it is necessary to go to the hospital for treatment. During this period, it is still important to educate patients to regularly and routinely take oral medications to improve heart function, which is beneficial.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

43sec

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Is the rheumatoid factor high in rheumatic heart disease?

If the patient has rheumatic heart disease, especially mitral regurgitation or mitral stenosis, this condition can occur. However, the rheumatoid factor may not necessarily be high, as the rheumatoid factor can lead to some cases of rheumatic heart disease, but it is not always elevated. Because this condition cannot be improved even with aggressive treatment, sometimes surgical treatment may still be needed. This is a type of congenital heart disease that can cause these conditions in patients. Rheumatic heart disease is mainly characterized by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a booming or mechanical murmur in the precordial area, all of which can occur, but the rheumatoid factor is not necessarily high.

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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

46sec

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What should I do about swollen feet caused by rheumatic heart disease?

Patients with rheumatic heart disease who experience swelling in their feet usually suffer from heart failure. First and foremost, it is important to rest and avoid excessive exertion to alleviate the burden on the heart, ensuring adequate sleep and relaxation, maintaining a pleasant mood, consuming easily digestible foods, and following a low-fat, low-salt diet, particularly avoiding high-sodium foods. Eating foods high in sodium can lead to water and sodium retention, which increases the burden on the heart and worsens swelling. In severe cases, it is necessary to use effective diuretic medications under the guidance of a doctor to reduce the cardiac load and eliminate fluid retention.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

36sec

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What to eat to supplement for rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic heart disease often occurs in people with lower resistance, making them susceptible to colds and fevers. Their diet should include foods that enhance immune and disease resistance, such as lean meats, fish, and seafood, which are high in protein, along with milk and eggs. Eating fruits that are rich in vitamins and fibers, like apples, avocados, oranges, and dried fruits, as well as consuming more vegetables, can strengthen the body's resistance and provide various vitamins and trace elements needed by the human body.