Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that is developed when the streptococcal bacteria is not treated. This bacteria is the cause of strep throat and scarlet fever. While adults can get Rheumatic fever, it is typically a children’s illness, especially for children between the ages of 5 – 16. The inflammation caused by rheumatic fever impacts the major organs, including the heart, skin, joints and nervous system. When it does impact the heart it typically damages the valves making it hard for the heart to manage the flow of blood in and out of the heart. This can cause congestive heart failure.

Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease In some cases rheumatic fever(40%～50%)causes long-term damage to the heart and its valves, which called Rheumatic heart disease. it is a rare form of heart disease that typically impacts children. It is caused by having rheumatic fever, which itself is a complication from the strep throat bacteria. The inflammation from rheumatic fever causes the heart valves to become weaker and not push through the blood as they should, thus creating heart disease.

Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease The symptoms of rheumatic fever Arthritis: swelling, redness and pain in the joints, especially knees, ankles, elbows and wrists Splotchy rash that doesn’t itch Subcutaneous nodules: tiny, hard lumps under the skin Fever Chorea: involuntary movement

Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease Fever Swollen and red joints Nodules over the swollen joints Skin rashes Breathlessness Fatigue Chest pain Fainting attacks Palpitations Uncontrolled movements of facial muscles, legs and arms

Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Treatment: The best way to deal with rheumatic heart disease is to prevent it. Aggressive treatment of strep throat (with antibiotics) and of rheumatic fever (should it occur) can help to limit rheumatic heart disease. Penicillin, aspirin and other medicines are used to treat rheumatic fever. Surgery – to repair or replace the valves that are impacted. Antibiotics Anti-inflammatory medicine Congestive heart failure medications

Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevent: The best way to avoid rheumatic heart disease is to treat strep throat when has it. Start use antibiotic immediately. When strep is treated it does not have the opportunity to turn into rheumatic fever and cause heart problems.