Preventive Measures Against Rheumatic Heart Disease

Measures Against Rheumatic Heart Disease Rheumatic heart disease, shown to be the most dangerous of rheumatic conditions, also known as cardiac rheumatism, affects adults in particular, though infants are especially susceptible. Prof. Dr. Ali Bayram, Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Specialist at Avrasya Hospital, shared valuable information regarding this disease caused by the Beta bacterium. Sharing information about the disease, Prof. Dr. Ali Bayram noted that this condition is an inflammation occurring in the heart valve. Frequently observed in infants, this disease develops as a result of rheumatic fever. Emphasizing the need to pay attention to upper respiratory tract diseases in particular, the specialist underlined that untreated upper respiratory tract infections develop into rheumatic fever within 2-3 weeks and progress to the heart. Rheumatic heart disease has many symptoms and consulting a doctor at the earliest opportunity is very important to prevent disease progression. Difficulty breathing, heart rhythm irregularities, heart palpitations, chest pain, low or high blood pressure, constant feelings of fatigue, constant feelings of chilliness, dizziness, nausea, joint pain, localized bruising and common cold are the most frequently observed symptoms.

Most Common in Children and Infants

Cardiac rheumatism is commonly seen most often in children and infants. Early diagnosis and treatment of throat infections experienced particularly in childhood are very important. Delayed treatment of throat infections leads to rheumatic fever reaching the heart. This can cause cardiac rheumatism in later years. One of the most important points is that children and infants with heart problems should be taken for doctor check-ups every 6 months depending on their condition. As with many diseases, early diagnosis in cardiac rheumatism is very important. Various methods are used in the diagnostic process for cardiac rheumatism. Methods used generally involve blood count, ECG, echocardiography and throat culture procedures.

Treatment Generally Uses Medications Such as Aspirin and Corticosteroids

In the treatment of cardiac rheumatism, antibiotic therapy is applied to prevent microbial causes resulting in infection. Medications such as aspirin and corticosteroids are generally preferred in treatment. If penicillin needs to be used in disease treatment, a test must definitely be performed on the patient beforehand, and if the results present no problems, this medication should be used. In advanced cases, surgical methods may be employed.