What is the full form of RHD?

What is RHD?

The full form of RHD is Rheumatic Heart Disease. It is a condition in which severe conditions of the rheumatic fever damages the heart. If the streptococcal infection is not treated on time, it can lead to the damage of the valves. Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacteria which causes RHD. These bacteria can be easily transferred from one human to the other.

Causes of Rheumatic Heart Disease

The cause of Rheumatic Heart Disease is rheumatic fever which is an inflammatory disease and damages the connecting tissues if not treated on time. The disease should be treated as early as possible to prevent damage to connecting tissues which are available in the heart joints. Brain, and skin. This can lead to the inflaming and scarring of the heart valves and they become hard and affect the functioning of the heart. If the condition is not treated it can become fatal due to heart failure. The age at which rheumatic fever can occur is between 5 to 15 years.

Symptoms of RHD

Repeated strep throat infection can lead to rheumatic fever. The symptoms of the fever occur within 1 to 6 weeks after the throat is infected. Some of the common symptoms of rheumatic fever are as follows −

• Fever

• Painful and swollen joints

• Lumps under the skin

• Rashes on the chest, back, and abdomen

• Discomfort in chest

• Shortness in breath

• Uncontrolled movements of muscles

• Weakness

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Heart Disease

The first thing that doctors suggest is the blood test which can be used to check for strep throat infection. In the physical examination, murmuring sound can be heard from the patient. The murmuring sound is heard due to the leakage of blood around the damaged valves. Some of the tests for the RHD are as follows −

Echocardiogram

It is a test in which sound waves are used for checking the valves and heart chambers. The ultrasound transducer creates a picture on the screen when it is rolled over the skin of the heart. Damaged valves can be seen during the echo. Heart enlargement can be seen along with fluid around the organ.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test which is used to measure the rhythms of the heart. Abnormal rhythms may sometimes be detected along with the damage of heart muscle. The electrical activity of the heart is measured by taping small sensors on the skin.

X-ray of the chest

An x-ray of the lungs and heart is taken to view the enlargement of the heart.

MRI

MRI is an imaging test which provides detailed images of the heart. Detailed images of heart valves and muscles are generated through this test

Blood tests

The effect of the inflammation and infection is tested through certain types of blood tests.

Treatment of RHD

Treatment of RHD depends on the amount of damage done to the valves. If the damage is severe, surgery has to be done and the valve is either repaired or replaced. The first thing that is to be done is to control the rheumatic fever. Strep infection can be treated with the help of antibiotics which will prevent the development of rheumatic fever.

Doctors also provide anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce heart damage and inflammation. Heart failure may also be prevented with the help of some medicines.

Complications of RHD

Many complications can occur due to RHD and some of them are as follows −

• Heart failure

• Bacterial endocarditis

• Complications in pregnancy and delivery

• Damaged heart valve

Conclusion

RHD can be expanded to Rheumatic Heart Disease which is caused due to untreated rheumatic fever. This fever causes inflammation and damages the connective tissues which further leads to damage to the heart valves. The disease can be diagnosed by blood tests, ECG, ECHO, and x-ray. Antibiotics can be used to treat rheumatic fever and valves can be repaired or replaced through surgery.

FAQs

1: What is the full form of RHD?

RHD stands for Rheumatic Heart Disease.

2: What is the cause of RHD?

RHD is caused due to rheumatic fever?

3: Can RHD result in heart failure?

If the disease is not treated on time, it can lead to heart failure.

4: What are the symptoms of RHD?

The symptoms of heart disease include fever, throat infection, swollen joints, lumps under the skin, and many more.

5: How can rheumatic fever be treated?

Rheumatic fever can be treated through antibiotics.