All about rheumatic heart disease
                     ABOUT DOCTOR
Interventional 
Cardiologist
Apollo Hospitals, 
Indore
Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at 
Apollo  Hospitals, Indore. She is the first female 
Interventional  Cardiologist in Central India. She is 
Fellow of American  College of Cardiology(FACC) 
and Fellow of European  Society of 
Cardiology(FESC)
For OPD Appointments Contact : +91 9893925000
OPD Timing at Apollo Hospitals, Indore: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Apollo Hospitals, Indore Sector D Rd, Scheme No 74C, Vijay 
Nagar, Indore.
OPD Timing at Clinic: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: 303, Third Floor, Vishal Astra, Opp. Satya Sai School, A.B Road, 
Indore, MP.
All about rheumatic heart disease
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), 
which causes a sore throat and is contagious, like a cold or the flu. Strep throat is a frequent 
childhood illness.
The immune system's reaction to repeated strep infections can lead to inflammation and 
scarring of the heart valves in certain people. Rheumatic fever describes this condition. The 
inflammation and scarring of heart valves induced by rheumatic fever is the etiology of 
rheumatic heart disease.
Who is at risk of developing rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever is more common in young children and teenagers with an untreated case of 
strep. Heart damage symptoms may not appear until years after the initial infection and fever 
have subsided.
Signs and symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?
Rheumatic heart disease can only be identified if the patient has recently experienced strep 
infection or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is characterized by a wide range of symptoms 
that commonly appear anywhere from 1 week to 6 weeks after a strep throat has cleared up. 
There is a possibility that the illness was either too mild to be diagnosed or had cleared up by 
the time the patient sought medical attention.
The most typical signs of rheumatic fever are:-
• Fever
• Joint discomfort, swelling, redness, and tenderness, especially in the knees and ankles.
• Nodules (lumps under the skin)
• Typically appearing across the chest, back, and abdomen, a lattice rash is red, elevated, 
and itchy.
• Experiencing difficulty breathing and pain in the chest
• The involuntary twitching of muscles anywhere in the body or face
• Weakness
• Problems breathing (especially with activity or when lying down)
• Pressure in the chest
• Swelling
The diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease is as follows.
Rheumatic heart disease sufferers either have or have recently recovered from a strep throat 
infection. A doctor may take a throat culture or draw blood to diagnose strep throat.
They can have a heart murmur or rub that shows up on a standard checkup. Blood leaks 
around the damaged valve, causing a buzz. The rubbing sensation develops as the inflamed 
cardiac tissues move or rub against one another.
Rheumatic heart disease can be 
diagnosed using a combination of 
tests, including thorough patient 
history and physical examination. 
Echocardiogram (echo).
The heart's chambers and valves 
are evaluated by sonography in 
this procedure. When an 
ultrasound transducer is moved 
across the patient's chest, an 
image is formed on a screen 
thanks to the reflected sound 
waves. Valve flap damage, blood 
leaking via a leaky valve, fluid 
accumulation around the heart, 
and cardiac enlargement are all 
conditions that can see. The test 
is the gold standard for detecting 
issues with heart valves.
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
The intensity and rhythm of the heart's electrical activity are both measured by this test. It 
displays irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias and dysrhythmias) and can sometimes reveal 
cardiac muscle injury. To detect electrical activity, little sensors are attached to the skin.
Examining the chest using radiation.
The doctor may order an X-ray to check for lung and heart enlargement.
An MRI of the Heart. The heart is imaged during this procedure. This method can examine 
the heart's valves and muscles with greater clarity.
Diagnostics involving the blood. Specific blood tests can detect infection and inflammation.
How do doctors deal with rheumatic heart disease?
The severity of cardiac valve damage is a significant consideration in treatment. Surgery to 
replace or repair a severely damaged valve is an option in cases of severe treatment.
Rheumatic fever is best treated by avoiding it in the first place. Strep infections and the 
subsequent rheumatic fever may typically be treated with antibiotics. Inflammation can 
increase the risk of heart damage; anti-inflammatory medicines may be used to lessen this 
risk. Heart failure treatment may also involve the use of other medications.
Antibiotics are given 
to people who have 
had rheumatic fever 
daily or monthly, 
sometimes for the 
rest of their lives, to 
prevent the 
recurrence of 
infections and reduce 
the risk of further 
heart damage. 
Aspirin, steroids, or 
non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs 
(NSAIDs) may treat 
inflammation.
If you are suffering from heart disease and looking for best cardiologist in Indore, then visit 
Apollo Hospital. Dr. Sarita Rao is a Top cardiologist in Indore who is providing treatment of 
Heart diseases at Apollo Hospital since many years. 
For appointment call on +91 9893925000 or visit our site for more details - 
https://drsaritaraocardiologist.com/
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