Patient's question:
I am 53 years old. Recently, as I have gotten older, I have been experiencing leg pain. I have previously visited the immunology department, but the effect was not significant. I have taken both Chinese and Western medicine, especially when the weather changes, I feel uncomfortable. Could you please explain what causes rheumatic fever and what happens with it?Doctor's answer:
Rheumatic heart disease is the most common cause of mitral valve stenosis in clinical practice. It is primarily a cardiac disease characterized by valve disease left behind after myocarditis caused by acute rheumatic fever, representing chronic rheumatic heart disease. Among these cases, 95% to 98% involve the mitral valve, with 70% to 80% being isolated mitral valve disease and 20% to 30% involving both the mitral valve and the aortic valve, with more than one valve or aortic valve lesions and damage. In recent years, due to enhanced prevention and control of rheumatic fever, the incidence of rheumatic heart valve disease has also significantly declined. If you suspect you have rheumatic fever, you can visit the cardiology or cardiothoracic surgery department of a hospital. Under the guidance of a doctor, medication can be taken, and imaging tests can be used to aid in diagnosis.