What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
4. How Is Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnosed?
There is no specific test to diagnose or rule out rheumatic heart disease. Instead, it is often diagnosed after a complete physical exam and review of symptoms and your medical history. Your history must include an episode of rheumatic fever for a doctor to arrive at a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease.
Specific tests are used to check for heart damage. An echocardiogram is a particular type of ultrasound imaging test that uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of the heart. It can often detect irregularities in the valves and their function. Chest X-rays are useful for uncovering any enlargement or failure of the heart muscle.
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