Patient question
For a patient with rheumatic heart disease who develops new reduced exercise tolerance, how should consultation be arranged?
Answer reviewed by Wang Haiying, Attending Physician
Professional answer
Record the date the change began, the daily activities that can be completed, and whether there is shortness of breath, chest discomfort, palpitations, or edema-like changes, and contact the original follow-up physician or cardiology for evaluation as soon as possible. If there is obvious difficulty breathing, fainting, or rapidly worsening discomfort, seek emergency help immediately.