Can rheumatic heart disease be inherited?

Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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Rheumatic heart disease is not hereditary and it is not a genetic disease. Rheumatic heart disease is a hypersensitivity disease caused by an infection, especially following a streptococcal infection. This type of infection leads to the body producing antibodies. In some individuals, these antibodies combine with antigens, causing inflammation of the collagen tissue and affecting the heart. This results in inflammatory lesions on the heart valves, causing the valves to become narrowed or fail to close completely, leading to pathological changes known as rheumatic heart disease.

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Written by Wang Lei

Cardiology

54sec

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Can rheumatic heart disease be cured completely?

Rheumatic heart disease is primarily a specific type of valvular heart disease caused by the involvement of rheumatic fever affecting the heart valves. This disease can be alleviated through medication and surgical treatments. For asymptomatic rheumatic heart disease, special treatment is generally unnecessary. It is mainly important to avoid excessive fatigue and increased cardiac load. Additionally, avoiding getting a cold and preventing the activity of rheumatic fever are crucial. For cases of rheumatic heart disease that require surgical treatment, it is necessary to assess the heart's function and the condition of the valves to determine if there is an indication for surgery. Options may include mitral valvuloplasty or prosthetic valve replacement. These treatments can relieve the heart failure caused by this cardiac disease, but it is impossible to cure rheumatic heart disease through surgery.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

46sec

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Rheumatic heart disease contraindications

Patients with rheumatic heart disease must avoid emotional excitement, as it can lead to an increased heart rate and an increased burden on the heart. They must also avoid overexertion, as it can exacerbate heart failure, and a high-salt diet, as consuming too much salt can lead to an increased fluid volume, worsening heart burden and potentially inducing or worsening heart failure. Patients with rheumatic heart disease should generally maintain a pleasant mood, rest adequately, avoid overexertion, eat light and easily digestible foods, and have a high-protein diet. They should also avoid cold and prevent colds to avoid worsening the burden on the heart and the symptoms of heart failure.

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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

43sec

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What should be avoided with rheumatic heart disease?

Patients with rheumatic heart disease should avoid overexertion and getting angry. Both overexertion and anger can increase the heart's burden, leading to a worsening of the heart disease. Patients should consume easily digestible foods and avoid spicy and greasy foods because these can cause indigestion or gastrointestinal symptoms, which in turn can increase the burden on the heart. A low-salt diet is also recommended; avoid eating overly salty dishes. Consuming foods high in salt can lead to retention of sodium and water in the blood, which increases the heart's burden, and in severe cases, can lead to heart failure.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

50sec

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What should I do if I have dizziness and nausea due to rheumatic heart disease?

If a patient with rheumatic heart disease experiences dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, these symptoms require active management. The current treatment for rheumatic heart disease primarily focuses on symptomatic treatment. It also involves the use of medications that improve heart function and reduce cardiac load. This helps in controlling heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse changes, thereby alleviating symptoms. If a patient presents with dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, it could sometimes be due to insufficient cerebral arterial blood supply or ischemic cerebrovascular disease. In such cases, a head CT scan should be performed for a more definitive diagnosis. Treatment may include the use of vasodilators and other medications to improve circulation and provide symptomatic relief.