Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment in India
Rheumatic heart disease results from permanent heart-valve damage after rheumatic fever. Treatment depends on which valves are affected, severity, symptoms, heart function, rhythm problems and whether repair or replacement is needed.
- Personalised treatment planning
- Advanced treatment options
- International patient support
About Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease follows an abnormal immune response to group A streptococcal infection and can lead to scarring and deformity of the heart valves. It remains a major cause of cardiovascular disease in many low- and middle-income countries.
Important factors in treatment planning
- Valve damage
- Recurrent rheumatic fever prevention
- Pregnancy planning
Common signs and symptoms
- Breathlessness and fatigue — Damaged valves can cause symptoms of valve disease and heart failure.
How Is Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment and echocardiography, which defines which valves are affected and how severe the damage is. ECG and other cardiac testing may be used to assess rhythm, heart size and function.
- STEP 1
1. Primary Test
- Echocardiogram
- STEP 2
2. Rhythm
- ECG
- STEP 3
3. Clinical
- Clinical Examination
- STEP 4
4. Pre-Procedure
- Additional Cardiac Imaging / Catheterisation When Indicated
Already have biopsy, imaging or medical reports?
Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment Options in India
Medical Management of RHD
Manages symptoms, rhythm problems and complications while preventing recurrent rheumatic fever.
Learn about this treatmentHeart Valve Repair
Repair may preserve the native valve when anatomy allows.
Learn about this treatmentHeart Valve Replacement
Severely damaged valves may require replacement.
Learn about this treatment
Advanced Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment Options
Advanced options may include valve repair where feasible, minimally invasive surgery in selected patients and catheter-based treatment for certain valve lesions. Long-term prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever remains important.
- 01
Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
Selected patients may be suitable for smaller-incision valve surgery.
Learn about this treatment - 02
Catheter-Based Valve Intervention
Certain stenotic valve lesions can sometimes be treated by catheter rather than surgery.
Learn about this treatment
Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment Cost in India
The total cost of rheumatic heart disease treatment in India depends on the diagnosis and combination of treatments required. A final estimate should be based on specialist review of medical records.
What affects treatment cost?
- Number of valves
- repair vs replacement
- prosthesis type
- heart function
- ICU/hospital stay
All costs are indicative only. Final treatment cost depends on the confirmed diagnosis, treatment plan, implant/drug choice, hospital requirements and complications.
How Long Will Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment Take?
The timeline depends largely on whether a valve procedure is required. Surgical valve repair or replacement involves hospitalisation and recovery, followed by long-term cardiac follow-up.
- 1
Medical Management
Patients not requiring immediate intervention may be treated and followed as outpatients.
- 2
Valve Surgery
Repair or replacement requires hospitalisation and a recovery period before return travel.
Planning Your Stay
- Specialist review
- Treatment plan
- Expected hospital stay
- Recovery
- Safe travel
- Follow-up at home
Knowing the expected treatment schedule before travelling helps patients from Ethiopia, Uganda and other countries plan accommodation, travel and time away from home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment
Related Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatments
Medical Management of RHD
Manages symptoms, rhythm problems and complications while preventing recurrent rheumatic fever.
Learn about this treatmentHeart Valve Repair
Repairs the patient’s own valve when anatomically suitable.
Learn about this treatmentHeart Valve Replacement
Severely damaged valves may require replacement.
Learn about this treatment
Speak With a Rheumatic Heart Disease Specialist
Have your reports, imaging and previous treatment records reviewed by a specialist before you travel.
Patients can begin the consultation process before travelling to India.
A specialist consultation can help you understand:
- the type and stage of your condition
- whether additional investigations are required
- available treatment options
- whether advanced treatments may be suitable
- expected treatment duration
- indicative treatment cost
- how to plan treatment and travel to India