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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Working In Developing Countries Cause Cardiac Issues?

I am a 48 yr old female nurse and in June I visited my GP with chest pain brought on by cardio exercise. He referred me to a cardiologist who found an ejection systolic murmur. I was referred for an echocardiogram and CT angiogram. Whilst waiting for these tests I developed chest pain at rest. The CT angiogram is still pending but the echocardiogram showed aortic stenosis and mitral valve stenosis. The doctor doing the scan asked me if I had ever worked in a developing country which I had 7 years ago when my then boyfriend died sussenly of myocarditis? cause. Could you plese tell me the relevence of being in Namibia 7 years ago and my cardiac problems now? and what is the likely prognosis and treatment?
Wed, 29 Jun 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Your all current symptoms are due to valvular heart disease (aortic stenosis and mitral valve stenosis).
Valvular heart diseases ateare commonly due to rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
RHD is caused by streptococcal infection of heart valves.
This kind of infection is commonly seen in developing and under developed countries.
So when you stayed in Namibia, you might have infected your heart valves which is causing RHD at present.
You will need surgical valvular replacement of aortic and mitral valves.
Surgical correction is the only treatment available for severe valvular defects.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Can Working In Developing Countries Cause Cardiac Issues?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Your all current symptoms are due to valvular heart disease (aortic stenosis and mitral valve stenosis). Valvular heart diseases ateare commonly due to rheumatic heart disease (RHD). RHD is caused by streptococcal infection of heart valves. This kind of infection is commonly seen in developing and under developed countries. So when you stayed in Namibia, you might have infected your heart valves which is causing RHD at present. You will need surgical valvular replacement of aortic and mitral valves. Surgical correction is the only treatment available for severe valvular defects. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.