Rheumatic heart/ sinus rythym

Posted By John B on January 07, 1999 at 21:59:31:







  A family member of mine had rheumatic fever as a child which went unnoticed for years.  She is now 54, mitral valve replaced 10 years ago (titanium).  She is now having episodes of afib/tachycardia runnning about 160.  After 7 trips to the ER (unable to convert it on own) they have tried a barrage of meds  none which seem to prevent it.  They are now going to try a drug called amiodarene (I think thats the name) which has bad side effects. They say she will eventually go afib again.  Q:  what can we xpect in the future from this rheumatic heart, is there any treatments short of a transplant?