Rheumatic fever

Q: I undergone heart surgery in 1996 for ASD after I had rheumatic fever in 1983. I am not taking any medicine after my surgery. Earlier before surgery I tood pencilin injection every 15 days(penidure). Should I take any medicine now. I am not feeling any abnormality except sometimes my heart muscles got little pain after stretching works.

A:Rheumatic fever does not cause an atrial septal defect which has been repaired. If the patient really had rheumatic but has no valve lesion now prophylactic penicillin is not required. On the otherhand if there are valve lesions due to RF it would be advisable to take penicillin propylaxis. The patient should see his treating doctor to sort this out.