Rheumatic Heart Disease Principles

-
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a cardiovascular problem that is caused by a streptococcal infection. It is usually initiated by an acute and recurrent rheumatic fever (RF). RF is a form of inflammatory problem that commonly affecting children.

The main culprit of RHD is beta-hemolytic streptococcus. This causative agent is aerobic. It means that any vital organ in the body that has favorable source of oxygen serves as the best reservoir for strep. These include the heart (RHD) and kidney (Acute Glomerulonephritis or AGN). 

The inflammatory process of RHD can affect the three layers of the heart. These include endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s innermost lining), myocarditis (swelling of the cardiac muscles), and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s outer layer).The most common age bracket that is affected by RHD is children age between five and fifteen. 
However, some reported cases are affecting adults and elders. This simply explains that RHD does not have exclusion to children. 

What are the Diagnostic Tests for Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Early diagnosis is the best way to reduce the extent of RHD. However, people living with this condition are bound for long-term antibiotic therapy. 

Below is the illustration of common diagnostic evaluation used for rheumatic heart disease:

Name of Diagnostic - Exam - Indications for RHD 

Blood Test

The test will show suspected case of RHD if the white blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is high. 

Cardiac Catheterization

The test shows that there is a problem in the cardiac function (especially the pumping action of the left side of the heart) and there is damage in the valves. 

Cardiac Enzyme Tests

The heart enzymes are high, which means that there is severe inflammation in the heart. 

Chest X-Ray

In X-Ray, the heart appears normal in shape but there might be some variable or irregular size due to the inflammation of the heart. 

C-Reactive Protein Test

The test result is positive during the acute phase of RHD. 

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

The ECG graph shows that there is prolong PR interval to almost 20% of the people living with RHD. 

What are the Prompt Treatments for Rheumatic Heart Disease?

The goals for treating RHD includes the ability to allow client maintain a normal and stable heart function. These include normal cardiac output, cardiac rate, and absence of arrhythmias (abnormal rhythm of the heart). 

In cases of infections, clients should remain free from the threat of streptococcus and becomes an active partner of health. Relieving pain is another goal for treating RHD. Lastly, health care professionals should explain the nature of RHD including the significance of complying with medical treatment. 

The most commonly prescribed medications to treat RHD are anti-inflammatories (Prednisone, Aspirin, and Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs), and antibiotics (Penicillin and Erythromycin). 

When using of antibiotics, expect that you will have a buzz-like type ringing sensation of ears. This is a common side effect of antibiotic for RHD. 

Bed rest is very crucial for treating RHD. You need to stay on bed until your cardiac functions remain normal. Surgical treatment is performed (Corrective Valvular Surgery) to severe cases of heart failure. Constant monitoring of the vital signs and ECG is needed. – By Edter 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mitral stenosis heart disease

-
It’s a frightening truth that innumerable people across the globe are becoming victims of heart diseases, day by day. Mitral stenosis is a kind of heart disease, which affects plethora of people, belonging to different geographical area, ethnicities, races, and cultures, etc.  Mitral stenosis is the disease inflicting the mitral or bicuspid valve of the heart. Our heart is made up of 4 chambers, and again divided into right sided chambers, and left sided chambers. Mitral valve is present between the 2 left sided chambers of the heart. Narrowing of the Mitral valve is known as Mitral stenosis.  Mitral stenosis causes: There are myriad causes of Mitral stenosis, and let’s talk about a few of them:  One of the most common causes of Mitral stenosis is another heart disease called Rheumatic fever. This disease has serious implications on the heart, along with many other organs of the body.  It adversely affects the valves of the heart, mainly the Mitral v...
Read more

Foods That Prevent Hypertension

-
Image
Hypertension (HTN) refers to the increase blood pressure (above 120/80 mmHg). According to the May 2012 statistical report from World Health Organization, there are approximately 290,000 cases of maternal deaths with relation to Heart Disease caused by hypertension. 1/3 of the figure comes from India with 20% prevalence rate and Nigeria with 14% incidence rate. Juvenile Hypertension is a condition that affects children. The data taken from the WHO records show that in 10-year study (2002-2012), there are 7.6 million deaths yearly occurring to children with heart disease caused by hypertension. This simply tells everyone that hypertension is one of the leading causes of mortality deaths in the world. Everybody is not exempted for this case especially if they are engaged with several unhealthy lifestyle practices. In line with this, we will provide you with information regarding the preventive care for hypertension. It provides strict emphasis on the foods that can help ...
Read more

Juvenile Hypertension Essential Facts

-
High blood pressure in children is described as higher BP readings for about 95% compare to normal BP. This condition may occur to both male and female child. It usually affects a certain age group (14-18 years old). The juvenile hypertension may strike any child with varying weight and height, as well. Any case of high blood pressure that may occur to children who are below 10 years old is caused by other underlying cardiac problems. However, the causes of this vascular problem are the same with the hypertension to adults. These include overweight, failure to exercise, and possesses poor eating habits.  Modification of lifestyle and eating pattern can help reduce the chance of getting juvenile hypertension. But for other cases, pharmaceutical drugs will be given to stabilize the blood pressure.  Causes of Juvenile Hypertension There are two major groups of causes for juvenile hypertension. These include the modifiable and non-modifiable factors. For modifiable fac...
Read more