Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
About the disease & condition
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a chronic heart condition caused by damage to heart valves following rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory disease triggered by an untreated or poorly treated streptococcal throat infection. Valve damage can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and increased risk of stroke. RHD is more common in children and young adults in low-resource settings. Early diagnosis, antibiotic prophylaxis, and medical or surgical management of valve disease can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Known Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or lying down.
- Fatigue and reduced ability to perform daily activities.
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen due to fluid retention.
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat from valve damage.
Known Causes
- Untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infections.
- Rheumatic fever causing inflammation of heart valves.
- Genetic susceptibility or repeated streptococcal infections.
- Socioeconomic factors limiting access to healthcare and antibiotics.
Care
- Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent infections.
- Medications to manage heart failure and control arrhythmias.
- Regular monitoring of heart valve function with echocardiography.
- Surgical repair or replacement of damaged valves if needed.
Relevant Specialities
Cardiology
Our Cardiology Department delivers prevention, diagnosis and treatment for heart diseases through personalised care and advanced technology. Risk clinics for blood pressure and lipids offer non-invasive testing (ECG, echocardiogram, treadmill stress test, Holter monitor, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) and provide interventional services in a modern Catheterisation Laboratory, including device therapy and structural procedures. We maintain 24/7 cardiac ICU coverage and consultant availability to ensure rapid treatment for acute events. Post-procedure, patients receive tailored rehabilitation and multidisciplinary support that spans diabetes, pulmonary, and genetic services.
