Rheumatic heart disease is inflammation and damage to the heart muscle and heart valves that develops as a result of rheumatic fever. A strep throat infection that is not properly treated can trigger rheumatic fever.
Not all people who have rheumatic fever develop rheumatic heart disease. However, any heart damage that occurs is usually permanent.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
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