Can rheumatic heart disease patients exercise?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on March 07, 2025
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Patients with rheumatic heart disease should go to the hospital for assessment, undergo cardiac ultrasound, and perform exercise tests. If the exercise test indicates cardiac function is below class II, or if the six-minute walk test reaches above class IV, exercise can be pursued. If patients have concerns, they can exercise under the guidance of a cardiac rehabilitation therapist at the hospital. For patients with cardiac function class III and above, exercise is not recommended. It is advised that they manage heart failure in the hospital or consider exercise only after surgery and when the condition is stable.

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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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What to do about rheumatic heart disease joint pain?

If the patient has a history of rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatic heart disease, symptomatic treatment is primarily used in their treatment. If the patient experiences joint pain, it is suggested that they can use some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control their symptoms. Another approach is to recommend Chinese herbal medicine treatments, including acupuncture and massage to relieve joint pain. Since rheumatic heart disease mainly manifests as a cardiac condition, particularly when the patient experiences palpitations and chest tightness, it is crucial to actively manage these symptoms using cardioprotective drugs or positive inotropic drugs to improve cardiac function.

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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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Are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease severe?

Rheumatic heart disease is a type of organic heart disease where the heart valves are damaged, leading to stenosis and insufficiency. Symptoms vary with the extent of the damage. Mild damage does not significantly alter hemodynamics, and there may be no clinical symptoms, allowing for unrestricted physical activity. Severe damage results in noticeable changes in hemodynamics, presenting with symptoms of heart failure such as coughing, expectoration, cyanosis, palpitations and shortness of breath after activity, swelling of the lower limbs, and indigestion among other signs of heart dysfunction. Early treatment is necessary to prevent worsening of heart failure and to safeguard the patient’s life.

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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.