How to Diagnose Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease usually occurs due to a complication following untreated strep throat. It occurs when antibodies, produced to fend off the strep infection, begin to attack other areas of the body. When this happens to the heart, the valves scar and become inflamed causing the muscle to become weak.

Instructions

1. Give a detailed medical history to your doctor, including all past history including recent colds or fevers. These symptoms provide key indicators for suspicion of an active strep infection which could lead to rheumatic heart disease.

2. Undergo an electrocardiogram test to map the electrical activities of your heart. Changes or abnormal activities generally require further testing, such as an echocardiogram. This test provides an ultrasound of the heart to assist your physician in making a definitive diagnosis.

3. Know that your physician may want to perform blood tests including one that shows the presence of streptococcal antibodies. This test enables your doctor to see if you may have had a streptococcal infection.

4. Plan on having a chest x-ray done. An x-ray can give your doctor an indication of the size of your heart and the degree of inflammation present.

5. Monitor your temperature should you become sick. If you develop a sore throat see your doctor to assess for any signs of strep. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take all the pills prescribed, even if you begin to feel better.