Can rheumatic heart disease cause angina?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on March 31, 2025
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Rheumatic heart disease most commonly manifests as rheumatic myocarditis, pericardial thickening, or pericardial effusion. The majority of patients also present with mitral valve stenosis and insufficiency, and some also have aortic valve stenosis and insufficiency. When patients have severe aortic valve stenosis or severe aortic valve insufficiency, it leads to insufficient blood supply from the aorta, causing inadequate coronary circulation, which then can lead to angina.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Causes of fatigue in rheumatic heart disease

If the patient is diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, and exhibits symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, or weak limbs, it could indicate a decline in heart function. It is recommended that the patient visit a hospital for a cardiac ultrasound to rule out these issues, as this condition is treatable. Currently, the treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief and improving heart function using cardiotonic diuretics, which can alleviate the patient’s current condition. If the patient experiences palpitations, difficulty breathing, or other similar symptoms, immediate attention is necessary. Ongoing monitoring of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse changes is essential. If there is a high heart rate, or symptoms like swelling in the lower limbs, diuretics may be used to relieve these symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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How does one get rheumatic heart disease?

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
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Rheumatic heart disease causes

The primary cause of rheumatic heart disease is an abnormal immune response caused by infection with hemolytic streptococcus, which leads to damage of the heart valves. This damage results in narrowing or insufficiency of the valves, altering the hemodynamics within the blood and increasing the burden on the heart, thereby causing a series of clinical symptoms. Early control of streptococcal infections can reduce the occurrence of rheumatic heart disease. Common streptococcal infections include upper respiratory tract infections, acute tonsillitis, and suppurative tonsillitis. Actively using effective antibiotics to control these infections can greatly reduce the incidence of rheumatic heart disease.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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What should I do if rheumatic heart disease catches a cold?

Patients with rheumatic heart disease, if they find they have caught a cold, should go to the hospital for an examination as soon as possible, including blood tests and an electrocardiogram. If a viral infection is suspected, antiviral treatment should be administered promptly. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics should be given promptly to control the infection. This can prevent the cold from turning into a lower respiratory tract infection or pneumonia. Because if a cold is not treated in time, it often can trigger an episode of heart failure in patients with rheumatic heart disease and can also lead to a further aggravation of rheumatic disease. Therefore, patients with rheumatic heart disease should prevent infections, and the use of long-acting penicillin once a month is very necessary.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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What should I do about rheumatic heart disease asthma?

If the patient has rheumatic heart disease, the main symptoms include palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath after activity, as well as swelling in both lower extremities. If wheezing symptoms occur, some cardiotonic drugs can be used in treatment to improve the patient's symptoms. Currently, treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief and improving the patient's cardiac and pulmonary functions. During this period, it is important to actively prevent complications. If the patient's symptoms occur abruptly, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. Sometimes, infusion therapy and low-flow oxygen inhalation are required to effectively alleviate the patient's current symptoms of palpitations, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties.