Various forms of heart disease tend to be associated with periods in life. Rheumatic fever may occur at any age, but the first attack is usually during childhood. The exact cause of rheumatic fever is not known. However, it is generally preceded two to four weeks by a streptococcus infection, including scarlet fever, a "strep" throat, or a "strep" ear infection. Rheumatic fever often recurs. Each recurrence renews the danger of heart damage.

Rheumatic fever causes reddening and painful swelling of the joints. This is a temporary condition. However, in some cases, the heart valves become inflamed. Development of scar tissue follows the inflammation, causing weakened and deformed valves. Often,  the heart is damaged permanently.

The mitral or bicuspid, valve on the left side of the heart between the atrium and ventricle is often involved in rheumatic heart disease. In some cases, the valve does not close properly. Each time the ventricle contracts, some blood are forced back into the atrium. This places an extra load on the heart in maintaining its output. In other cases, the valve becomes too tight and reduces the blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle. The heart labors to keep sufficient blood flowing. 

The fundamental conditioning factor in all heart diseases is the diet, which should be lacto-vegetarian, and low on sodium and calories. It should consist of high quality, natural organic foods, with emphasis on wholegrains, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Foods which should be eliminated from the diet include white flour products, sweets, chocolates, canned foods in syrup, soft drinks, squashes, tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco, and all solid fats of animal origin such as butter, cream, and fatty meats. Salt and sugar should be reduced substantially. Continue to read Coronary Arteriosclerotic Cardiopathy in TCM.