RHD

• What is rheumatic heart disease?

  Rheumatic heart disease is a condition where the heart valves become damaged due to a previous episode of rheumatic fever.
• What triggers rheumatic heart disease?

  Rheumatic heart disease is triggered by an autoimmune reaction following a streptococcal throat infection.
• What is rheumatic fever?

  Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune reaction that can occur after a streptococcal throat infection, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the heart, joints, skin, and brain.
• Which heart valves are primarily affected in rheumatic heart disease?

  The mitral valve and aortic valve are primarily affected in rheumatic heart disease.
• What are the structural changes to the heart valves in rheumatic heart disease?

  The heart valves become thickened, deformed, and calcified over time, impairing their ability to function properly.
• What is valvular stenosis?

  Valvular stenosis is the narrowing of the heart valves, which impairs blood flow through the heart.
• What is valvular regurgitation?

  Valvular regurgitation is the leakage of blood through the heart valves, causing improper blood flow.
• What are the gross features of the heart in rheumatic heart disease?

  The gross features include thickened and deformed heart valves, commissural fusion, calcification, valvular stenosis/regurgitation, atrial and ventricular dilation, and myocardial fibrosis.
• What is commissural fusion in the context of rheumatic heart disease?

  Commissural fusion refers to the fusion of the valve leaflets at their commissures, impairing valve function.
• What is myocardial fibrosis?

  Myocardial fibrosis is the scarring and fibrosis of the heart muscle due to chronic inflammation.
• What are the implications of the gross features of rheumatic heart disease?

  The implications include impaired valve function, increased workload on the heart, risk of complications, need for intervention, and recurrence risk.
• Why is the impaired valve function in rheumatic heart disease clinically significant?

  Impaired valve function increases the workload on the heart and can lead to serious complications like heart failure if left untreated.
• What surgical interventions may be required for severe cases of rheumatic heart disease?

  Surgical interventions may include valve repair or valve replacement to restore proper valve function.
• What is the recurrence risk associated with rheumatic heart disease?

  Individuals with a history of rheumatic fever are at risk of recurrent episodes, which can lead to further damage and progression of rheumatic heart disease.
• What are congenital heart diseases (CHDs)?

  Structural or functional abnormalities of the heart and/or great vessels that are present at birth
• During which stage of development do congenital heart diseases typically occur?

  During the early stages of the heart's development in the womb, often in the first trimester of pregnancy
• What are cyanotic heart diseases?

  Conditions that reduce oxygen levels in the blood, causing a bluish skin tone
• What is a common example of a cyanotic heart disease?

  Transposition of the great arteries
• What are the genetic factors that can cause congenital heart diseases?

  Chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene defects, and multifactorial inheritance
• What diagnostic methods are used for congenital heart diseases?

  Physical examination, imaging tests, cardiac catheterization, and genetic testing
• Why is early detection of congenital heart diseases crucial?

  It allows for timely intervention and management to prevent complications
• What is one treatment option for minor congenital heart defects?

  Medication
• What is a common symptom of congenital heart diseases?

  Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin)
• What treatment would likely be recommended for a newborn diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect?

  Surgical repair
• What are the common types of congenital heart diseases?

  1. Septal defects - Atrial septal defect (ASD) - Ventricular septal defect (VSD) 2. Valve abnormalities - Stenosis - Regurgitation 3. Outflow tract defects - Coarctation of the aorta - Tetralogy of Fallot 4. Cyanotic heart diseases - Transposition of the great arteries - Hypoplastic left heart syndrome