Phone
+264 81 329 6489
info@nrchears.org
Location
Windhoek, Namibia
What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Rheumatic heart disease, often called RHD, is a preventable heart condition caused by damage to the heart valves after acute rheumatic fever. Acute rheumatic fever may occur after an untreated or inadequately treated throat or skin infection caused by group A streptococcal bacteria.
RHD can affect children, adolescents and adults. It may cause breathlessness, tiredness, palpitations, swelling of the legs, stroke, heart failure or complications during pregnancy.
Why RHD Matters?
- RHD is preventable, but it remains a serious health problem in many low-resource settings. It mainly affects children, young people and women of reproductive age. Early diagnosis, regular follow-up and prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever are essential.
Sore Throat and RHD
- Not every sore throat leads to RHD. However, some sore throats caused by streptococcal infection can trigger acute rheumatic fever in susceptible children. Families should seek care when a child has a persistent sore throat, fever or painful joints.
Signs of Acute Rheumatic Fever
Anyone with these symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare worker.
- Fever
- Painful or swollen joints
- Joint pain that moves from one joint to another
- Tiredness
- Unusual body movements
- Skin rash or small painless lumps under the skin
- Heart murmur or chest symptoms
Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Tiredness
- Palpitations
- Swollen feet or legs
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty with physical activity
- Complications during pregnancy
Prevention
- Improving living conditions and reducing overcrowding.
- Seeking care for sore throat and skin infections.
- Treating confirmed streptococcal infections.
- Keeping clinic appointments.
- Maintaining patient registers and reminder systems.
- Regular benzathine penicillin injections
Living with RHD
- Attend regular cardiac follow-up.
- Take prescribed medicines correctly.
- Continue penicillin prophylaxis if prescribed.
- Inform healthcare workers before pregnancy or surgery.
- Seek urgent care for worsening breathlessness
- Ask questions and understand their treatment plan.
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Phone
+264 81 329 6489
info@nrchears.org
Location
Windhoek, Namibia
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