Rheumatic Heart Disease Down but Not Elimnated - A Case Study for Community Action

Abstract

Acute rheumatic fever, a multisystem inflammatory disease beginning in childhood with manifestations of episodes of fleeting joint pains, skin, and central nerve system. Such episodes if not treated well or preventive steps not taken will pave way for rheumatic heart disease, after many years. RHD involves immune inflammatory injury to cardiac values. Here I present one such case I witnessed in March 2020. A 40-year-old female with known history of RHD since 2013 sought treatment in KMC super specialty hospital. Patient was under medication for RHD. In the current episode she Reported with the complaints of chest pain, sore throat, fever, and fatigue on 27th March 2020. Based on echocardiogram, cardiologist confirmed that she has Rheumatic heart disease with mild mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation. She was asked to continue Pentids 400 mg and metoclopramide that she was already taking and added Tab. Paracetamol 500 mg, Domperidone, Omeprazole, table B complex 400 mg. She was advised for routine check-up and follow up care. There was an improvement in patient condition within 2 days. Patient is under routine follow and under medications as of 31 May 2021 and doing well. Public Health Professional opine that RHD control program by the national health authorities is the need of the time.