Patient's question:
Doctor, I am 45 years old this year. I have been feeling some pain in my heart recently, sometimes quite severe. But most of the time it's fine. I went to the hospital for a thorough check-up, and discovered it was rheumatic heart disease. I would like to know, how does rheumatic heart disease require surgery?Doctor's answer:
Rheumatic heart disease is an immune system disorder, as it affects the heart in later stages, leading to fibrosis of the heart valves, resulting in valve insufficiency. If it occurs again, it may lead to chronic heart failure. If severe structural changes in the valves occur, surgical replacement of the valves is necessary. Additionally, treatment to reduce cardiac load and combat heart failure should be implemented.