Rheumatic heart disease causes

Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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 Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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What to do about systemic edema in rheumatic heart disease?

If the patient has rheumatic heart disease, the current treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment. If the patient experiences generalized edema, it may be due to sodium and water retention causing the swelling. In this case, some diuretics can be used to reduce the workload on the heart and improve symptoms. It is recommended that the patient be hospitalized. During this period, some cardiac diuretics can be used to alleviate symptoms. If heart failure is corrected in time, such edema can be reduced. Active symptomatic treatment is still necessary to mitigate the patient's current condition, but during this period, it is also important to monitor changes in the patient's heart rate and blood pressure.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Does rheumatic heart disease cause joint pain?

Rheumatic heart disease can present with joint pain, especially if the patient has a history of rheumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which can be associated with rheumatic heart disease. There is a correlation between the two, but the possibility of rheumatic heart disease cannot be ruled out even if the patient does not have a history of rheumatic diseases. Currently, the treatment is mainly symptomatic. Rheumatic heart disease can include conditions such as mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation. Murmurs can be heard between the heart chambers, and treatment may involve using medications that strengthen the heart and improve cardiac function.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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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 Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Does rheumatic heart disease cause bloating?

Rheumatic heart disease can cause stomach bloating. The main reason is that if the patient has severe tricuspid regurgitation, it can lead to right heart failure, causing congestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to a decrease in appetite and a feeling of stomach bloating. Additionally, some heart disease patients are treated for heart failure with large amounts of diuretics, causing electrolyte disorders, such as low sodium or low potassium levels. Patients often exhibit symptoms of stomach bloating, and even nausea, vomiting, and increased fatigue. Thus, rheumatic heart disease can cause stomach bloating.

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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.