Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Treatment in Gurgaon, Delhi-NCR, India
What is Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)?
An episode of rheumatic fever can lead to the development of rheumatic heart disease, a dangerous cardiac condition. Consider your heart as a well-maintained machine. Rheumatic fever can harm the heart valves in the same way that rust damages a machine's gears. We frequently observe how this illness impacts individuals of all ages at Artemis Hospital, but especially young children and adolescents in our neighborhood.
A simple strep throat infection usually initiates the illness, which might lead to an aberrant immune response if treatment is not received. In an attempt to combat the infection, your body's defense system unintentionally targets the tissues of your heart. The situation is similar to friendly fire in combat: your soldiers (immune system) unintentionally target your base (heart).
Types of Rheumatic Heart Disease
At Artemis Hospital, we commonly encounter several types of rheumatic heart disease. Each type affects different parts of the heart:
Valvular Heart Disease
Damage to the cardiac valves is the most prevalent type that Artemis treats. Think of the valves in your heart as doors that regulate blood flow. These doors that are damaged either don't open completely (which causes obstruction) or don't close correctly (which causes leakage). Most frequently, the aortic valve is impacted, then the mitral valve. Our cardiac team has a great deal of experience treating these diseases using a variety of surgical and medicinal techniques.
Pericarditis
The pericardium, the protective layer that surrounds your heart, may become inflamed. Think of it as your phone's protective case in case it gets broken. Your heart may have trouble beating correctly as a result of this inflammation, which can also cause chest pain. At Artemis Hospital, our experts offer focused care to lower inflammation and avoid long-term issues.
Endocarditis
Inflammation of the inside lining of your heart is involved. Imagine it as the emergence of cracks in your home's inside walls. Our staff uses the most recent medical procedures to give the thorough monitoring and treatment that this illness requires.
Heart Block
RHD can occasionally impact the electrical system of your heart, leading to varying degrees of heart block. It's comparable to an electrical wiring malfunction in your house. Identifying and treating these electrical disruptions is the specialty of Artemis' cardiac electrophysiology team.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Symptoms
RHD symptoms might differ significantly from person to person. Our patients frequently say:
Breathing difficulties, particularly while resting down or exercising.
Weakness and fatigue that interfere with day-to-day tasks.
A fluttering sensation in the chest due to irregular heartbeats.
Frequent and intermittent chest pain.
Swelling in the ankles, legs, and even the abdomen.
Fainting or dizziness, especially when exerting oneself.
Having trouble falling asleep on your back.
Reduced ability for physical activity or sports.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Causes
The road to recovery from an easy case of strep throat to rheumatic heart disease is complicated. It begins with an infection caused by the same germs that cause strep throat, Group A Streptococcus. Rheumatic fever may result from improper antibiotic treatment of this condition. When you have rheumatic fever, your immune system overreacts and mistakenly targets the tissues in your heart, especially the valves.
Risk Factors for Rheumatic Heart Disease
We have discovered several important risk factors at Artemis Hospital that increase a person's susceptibility to Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD):
Living in an environment where illnesses are easily transmitted due to crowding.
Restricted availability of medical facilities.
Family history of RHD, or rheumatic fever.
Poor eating habits.
Personal hygiene.
Recurrent episodes of strep throat.
Age (the most vulnerable age group is children aged 5 to 15).
Living in places with poor access to healthcare.
Treatment of strep throat infections that is either insufficient or delayed.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnosis
At Artemis Hospital, we take a thorough approach to diagnosis, which includes:
Our doctors closely listen to the sounds of your heart and look for any indications of an abnormal heartbeat or cardiac murmurs.
We perform certain tests to look for indications of inflammation and a recent strep infection.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) allows us to comprehend the electrical activity of your heart and spot any anomalies.
Echocardiogram, the cardiac ultrasound provides us with fine-grained pictures of your heart valves and how they work.
A chest X-ray allows us to determine whether your heart is enlarged or whether your lungs are filled with fluid.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment
At Artemis Hospital, we offer a comprehensive treatment approach for RHD:
Medications
Our medical management typically includes:
Antibiotics to prevent recurrent strep infections
Blood thinners to prevent clots
Heart failure medications when needed
Anti-inflammatory drugs during acute episodes
Medications to control heart rhythm
Surgical Interventions
When necessary, our skilled surgical team performs:
Valve repair procedures to fix damaged valves
Valve replacement surgery using mechanical or tissue valves
Minimally invasive procedures when appropriate
Complex reconstructive surgeries for severe cases
Lifestyle Changes
We guide our patients through important lifestyle modifications:
Regular physical activity within prescribed limits
Heart-healthy diet with reduced salt intake
Stress management techniques
Proper dental hygiene to prevent infections
Regular sleep schedule
Weight management
Smoking cessation support
Regular Follow-up Care
Our follow-up protocol includes:
Regular heart check-ups
Monitoring of medication effectiveness
Adjustment of treatment plans as needed
Prevention of complications
Support for emotional and psychological well-being
Rheumatic Heart Disease Complications
Without proper treatment, RHD can lead to several complications:
Heart failure, where your heart can't pump blood effectively
Irregular heart rhythms that may require special treatment
Blood clots that can cause stroke or other problems
Pregnancy complications in women with RHD
Reduced quality of life due to limited physical activity
Infections of the heart valves
Need for emergency surgery in severe cases
Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention
Prevention is crucial, and at Artemis Hospital, we emphasize:
Primary Prevention:
Prompt treatment of strep throat infections
Regular health check-ups for children
Good hygiene practices
Awareness of early symptoms
Regular dental check-ups
Healthy lifestyle habits
Educational programs for families
Secondary Prevention:
Regular penicillin injections for those with a history of rheumatic fever
Careful monitoring of heart health
Early intervention when problems arise
Regular echocardiogram screening
Family education about warning signs
Lifestyle modification support
Proper dental care protocols
At Artemis Hospital, our dedicated team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and healthcare professionals is committed to providing comprehensive care for RHD patients. We understand that each patient's journey is unique, and we tailor our treatment approaches accordingly. Our state-of-the-art facilities, combined with our experienced medical team, ensure that you receive the best possible care for managing rheumatic heart disease.
Why Choose Artemis Hospital for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Treatment?
Experienced team & cutting-edge technology with more than 1000 successful surgeries under their belts, our globally educated cardiac team has over 20 years of experience in difficult RHD situations.
Approach to comprehensive care our specialized RHD clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and specialty nurses.
Excellent quality at an affordable price with support services we offer transparent pricing, top-notch care at affordable prices, and committed insurance support.
Excellent after-treatment care access 24-hour emergency cardiac assistance and routine follow-ups with our committed RHD nurse coordinator.
Reviewed By Dr. Sushant Srivastava
Chairperson - Heart & Lungs Transplant
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is rheumatic heart disease?
About 33 million people worldwide suffer from RHD, with a higher prevalence in developing nations. Among young persons under 25, it continues to be one of the most prevalent acquired cardiac disorders in India.
Who is at risk for rheumatic heart disease?
The most at risk are children and young adults (5–15 years old), particularly those who live in congested areas. Individuals who frequently get strep throat infections and those with poor access to healthcare are at greater risk.
Is rheumatic heart disease contagious?
The strep throat infection that can cause RHD is communicable, but RHD itself is not. Close contact with an infected individual might spread the strep throat bacterium.
Can Rheumatic Heart Disease be cured?
Although there is no cure for RHD, it can be effectively treated with the right care. Controlling symptoms and preventing additional heart damage can be achieved with early detection and regular treatment.
What to avoid with rheumatic heart disease?
Patients should stay away from smoking, alcohol, and physically demanding activities without a doctor's permission. Additionally, you should avoid those who have an active throat infection.
How long can you live with rheumatic heart disease?
The severity and adherence to treatment have a significant impact on life expectancy. Many people have long, fruitful lives when they receive the right medical attention and manage their lifestyles.
How does Rheumatic Fever damage the heart?
In an autoimmune reaction carried on by rheumatic fever, antibodies inadvertently target cardiac tissue. Heart valve damage and inflammation may result from this over time.
How does rheumatic heart disease affect pregnant people?
Due to the increased cardiac strain during pregnancy, pregnant women with RHD need to be closely monitored. Throughout pregnancy, specialist treatment and routine checkups are crucial.
Can ECG detect rheumatic heart disease?
Although an ECG can detect irregularities in cardiac rhythm, it cannot be used to make a conclusive diagnosis of RHD. An echocardiogram is the main diagnostic technique for RHD.
What is acute rheumatic fever (ARF)?
Following a strep throat infection, an inflammatory condition known as ARF may arise. It is a precursor to RHD and can impact several tissues, including the heart and joints.
Can RHD affect children?
Children are at a higher risk of developing RHD, especially if they have untreated strep infections. In children, early detection and prevention are essential.
What role does strep throat play in Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Rheumatic fever can result from untreated strep throat infections, and this can lead to RHD. This development can be avoided by treating strep throat properly.
What tests will be done to diagnose rheumatic heart disease?
A physical examination, blood tests, an echocardiography, and chest X-rays are usually used to make the diagnosis. Additional cardiac imaging may occasionally be required.
What lifestyle changes can help manage RHD?
Stress management, a heart-healthy diet, and moderate exercise are crucial. Avoiding smoking and practicing proper oral care are also beneficial.
Are there any alternative treatments for Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Although there are conventional drugs, scientifically validated medical interventions continue to be the norm. Conventional treatment should not be replaced by alternative remedies.
Can Rheumatic Heart Disease lead to heart failure?
Yes, RHD can develop into heart failure if it is not properly treated. This problem can be avoided with consistent drug compliance and monitoring.
Can Rheumatic Heart Disease recur after treatment?
Even though valve damage cannot be reversed, using antibiotics to stop recurring strep infections can help prevent more heart damage. The key is regular prevention.
How often should someone with Rheumatic Heart Disease see a doctor?
Usually, routine examinations are advised every 3-6 months. The severity of the condition and each person's needs may affect the frequency.
Can surgery be required for Rheumatic Heart Disease?
If medication is insufficient for certain patients, surgery to repair or replace the valve may be necessary. Depending on the extent of valve damage, surgery may be required.
What is the outlook/prognosis for Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Many patients lead normal lives with the right care and lifestyle adjustments. Long-term results are considerably enhanced by early diagnosis and regular care.
