Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease of connective tissues, as we noted before, it may occasionally follow a streptococcal infection, usually of the throat (strep throat). Although prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious heart complications, approximately one-third of all rheumatic fever victims are left with heart damage, particularly of the valve.

Rheumatic fever usually strikes children between the ages of five and fifteen, although it also occurs in older people. The ailment affects many parts of the body, but damage to the heart from scarring of heart muscle and valve is its greatest danger. Depending on the extent of the scarring, rheumatic heart disease will interfere with the normal functioning of the heart. An attack of rheumatic fever does not necessary mean that one is left with a damaged heart. The disease tends to recur, however, and with each episode tends the chance of permanent damage increases.

Early detection and treatment of streptococcal infections of the throat, usually with penicillin, can effectively guard against rheumatic fever; it is therefore urgent that anyone with a persistent sore throat or earache seek medical attention.