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Stroke Resulting From Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition caused by rheumatic fever that usually affects children between the ages of 4 and 18. The effects of RHD last a lifetime and can result in a stroke.

  1. Features

    • RHD damages the heart by causing inflammation. Signs of cardiac problems include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and an irregular pulse, per the HealthCentral Network.

    Effects

    • Inflamed heart valves and vessels can lead to stroke because blood cannot flow properly from the heart to the brain to deliver oxygen and other nutrients.

    Considerations

    • According to the American Stroke Association, a blood clot in the heart due to RHD may not only interfere with blood flow to the brain, but may also dislodge and travel to the brain.

    Prevention

    • ASA indicates a doctor will often prescribe anticoagulants or antiplatelets to prevent blood clots from forming. These include aspirin and warfarin.

    Solution

    • Surgical options for RHD include heart valve replacement or opening a very narrow valve to prevent stroke. A balloon valvuloplasty is a non-surgical option which involves snaking a balloon-tipped catheter into the heart and inflating the balloon to open the valve.

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