Patient's question:
Recently, I don't know why I've been feeling uncomfortable with my heart. Although I often take medication to control it, the effect is not obvious. When I went to the hospital for a check-up, they also prescribed medication. I'm asking, what should I do after 10 years if I have rheumatic heart disease and need valve replacement surgery?Doctor's answer:
Rheumatic heart disease occurs when it leads to valve stenosis or valve insufficiency. In severe cases, valve replacement surgery may be necessary. The materials used for valve replacement include biological and metallic materials. If you use biological materials, the general lifespan is 10 to 20 years. If damage occurs after 20 years, a replacement surgery is required. On the other hand, if you use metallic materials, it is lifelong and does not require replacement, but long-term anticoagulant medication must be taken.