Can rheumatic heart disease heal itself?

Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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 Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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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.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Is rheumatic heart disease related to dampness?

Rheumatic heart disease often occurs in the southern regions where there is a higher level of humidity. Some patients develop rheumatic heart disease after suffering from rheumatic arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. In Western medicine, it is believed to be due to a series of immune system damages caused by infection with Group A streptococcus, leading to rheumatic inflammation of the heart or damage to the valve functions. This often presents as mitral stenosis, atrial fibrillation, or pericardial effusion. Therefore, according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, rheumatic heart disease is related to humidity.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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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 Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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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 Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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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.