Patient's question:
My mother-in-law is 60 years old this year, but she always has to be hospitalized due to rheumatic heart disease and heart failure. She has suffered a lot, and she cannot engage in strenuous activities on a daily basis. Additionally, she cannot catch a cold—when she does, it becomes severe. We are unaware of how she developed rheumatic heart disease and how to prevent it.Doctor's answer:
Rheumatic heart disease is generally a disease caused by severe cold and the transmission of streptococcus. The rupture can lead to palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, which worsen significantly after a cold. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure, so the impact on the body is considerable. For rheumatic heart disease, surgical treatment is usually the preferred option. If heart failure is severe, strong diuretic and cardiac-boosting medications are necessary to help control the disease.