Rheumatic Heart Disease(Rheumatic Fever): Causes & Treatment

Rheumatic heart disease describes a group of short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) heart disorders that occur as a result of acute rheumatic fever. Damage of the heart valves is a common result of rheumatic fever. It is these damages that lead to the defect in the heart. Acute rheumatic fever is a condition in which the connective tissues of the body, the heart, joints, brain, and skin are swollen. It is usually seen in children who are 5 to 15 years old.

On an average, 60% of those with rheumatic fever develop heart diseases at a later stage of life. All parts of the heart get damaged due to inflammation. The most affected is generally the mitral valve. 

Explore more about Rheumatic Heart Disease symptoms, causes, risks, and prevention Rheumatic heart disease refers to heart damage caused by rheumatic fever.