What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease? 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. Click to see full answer. Subsequently, one may also ask, what is rheumatic carditis?Carditis: inflammation of the heart muscle and heart tissue. Carditis can cause a rapid heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. This is the most serious of the symptoms and may have long-term effects on health. Carditis occurs in approximately 50 percent of those who have rheumatic fever.Secondly, what is the cause of rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever. The heart valve is damaged by a disease process that generally begins with a strep throat caused by bacteria called Streptococcus, and may eventually cause rheumatic fever. Secondly, how is Carditis diagnosed? Advertisement Blood tests. A blood culture test is used to identify any bacteria or fungi in your bloodstream, and it’s the most important test your doctor will perform. Echocardiogram. Electrocardiogram (ECG). Chest X-ray. Computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Is rheumatic heart disease curable?Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable, treatable form of cardiovascular disease that affects over 32 million people around the world and claims 275,000 lives annually. If left untreated, rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart valve damage, stroke, heart failure, and death.
