Rheumatic heart disease is a condition wherein the heart valves have been forever harmed by rheumatic fever. The heart valve harm may begin not long after untreated or under-treated streptococcal contamination like strep throat or scarlet fever. A resistant reaction causes a provocative condition in the body which can result in on-going valve damage.

Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever, an incendiary infection that can influence numerous connective tissues, particularly in the heart, joints, skin, or brain. The heart valves can be aggravated and become scarred over the long run. This can bring about narrowing or spilling of the heart valve making it harder for the heart to function normally. This may require a long time to create and can bring about cardiovascular breakdown. Rheumatic fever can happen at whatever stage in life, yet normally happens in kids’ ages 5 to 15 years of age.

A recent history of strep infection or rheumatic fever is the key to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. Symptoms of rheumatic fever vary and typically begin 1 to 6 weeks after a bout of strep throat. In some cases, the infection may have been too mild to have been recognized, or it may be gone by the time the person sees a doctor.

These are the most common symptoms of rheumatic fever:

• Fever
• Swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees and ankles
• Nodules (lumps under the skin)
• Red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen
• Shortness of breath and chest discomfort
• Uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles
• Weakness

Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease depend on the degree of valve damage and may include:

• Shortness of breath (especially with activity or when lying down)
• Chest pain
• Swelling

Individuals with rheumatic heart disease will have or recently had a strep infection. A throat culture or blood test may be used to check for strep.

They may have a murmur or rub that may be heard during a routine physical exam. The murmur is caused by the blood leaking around the damages valve. The rub is caused when the inflamed heart tissues move or rub against each other.

Along with a complete medical history and physical exam, tests used to diagnose rheumatic heart disease may include:

• Echocardiogram (echo): This test uses sound waves to check the heart's chambers and valves. The echo sound waves create a picture on a screen as an ultrasound transducer is passed over the skin overlying the heart. Echo can show damage to the valve flaps, backflow of blood through a leaky valve, fluid around the heart, and heart enlargement. It’s the most useful test for diagnosing heart valve problems.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the strength and timing of the electrical activity of the heart. It shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage. Small sensors are taped to your skin to pick up the electrical activity.
• Chest X-ray:  An X-ray may be done to check your lungs and see if your heart is enlarged.
• Cardiac MRI:  This is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the heart. It may be used to get a more precise look at the heart valves and heart muscle.
• Blood tests:  Certain blood tests may be used to look for infection and inflammation

Submit manuscript at https://www.scholarscentral.org/submissions/cardiac-pulmonary-rehabilitation.html or send as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at manuscripts@omicsonline.com

With Regards,
Jessica Lopez
Journal of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition wherein the heart valves have been forever harmed by rheumatic fever. The heart valve harm may begin not long after untreated or under-treated streptococcal contamination like strep throat or scarlet fever. A resistant reaction causes a provocative condition in the body which can result in on-going valve damage.

Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever, an incendiary infection that can influence numerous connective tissues, particularly in the heart, joints, skin, or brain. The heart valves can be aggravated and become scarred over the long run. This can bring about narrowing or spilling of the heart valve making it harder for the heart to function normally. This may require a long time to create and can bring about cardiovascular breakdown. Rheumatic fever can happen at whatever stage in life, yet normally happens in kids’ ages 5 to 15 years of age.

A recent history of strep infection or rheumatic fever is the key to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. Symptoms of rheumatic fever vary and typically begin 1 to 6 weeks after a bout of strep throat. In some cases, the infection may have been too mild to have been recognized, or it may be gone by the time the person sees a doctor.

These are the most common symptoms of rheumatic fever:

• Fever
• Swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees and ankles
• Nodules (lumps under the skin)
• Red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen
• Shortness of breath and chest discomfort
• Uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles
• Weakness

Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease depend on the degree of valve damage and may include:

• Shortness of breath (especially with activity or when lying down)
• Chest pain
• Swelling

Individuals with rheumatic heart disease will have or recently had a strep infection. A throat culture or blood test may be used to check for strep.

They may have a murmur or rub that may be heard during a routine physical exam. The murmur is caused by the blood leaking around the damages valve. The rub is caused when the inflamed heart tissues move or rub against each other.

Along with a complete medical history and physical exam, tests used to diagnose rheumatic heart disease may include:

• Echocardiogram (echo): This test uses sound waves to check the heart's chambers and valves. The echo sound waves create a picture on a screen as an ultrasound transducer is passed over the skin overlying the heart. Echo can show damage to the valve flaps, backflow of blood through a leaky valve, fluid around the heart, and heart enlargement. It’s the most useful test for diagnosing heart valve problems.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the strength and timing of the electrical activity of the heart. It shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage. Small sensors are taped to your skin to pick up the electrical activity.
• Chest X-ray:  An X-ray may be done to check your lungs and see if your heart is enlarged.
• Cardiac MRI:  This is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the heart. It may be used to get a more precise look at the heart valves and heart muscle.
• Blood tests:  Certain blood tests may be used to look for infection and inflammation

Submit manuscript at https://www.scholarscentral.org/submissions/cardiac-pulmonary-rehabilitation.html or send as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at manuscripts@omicsonline.com

With Regards,
Jessica Lopez
Journal of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation