Which is a common, serious complication of rheumatic fever
OverviewWhat is rheumatic heart disease?Rheumatic heart disease is heart valve damage resulting from rheumatic fever. Bacterial infections called group A streptococcal (GAS) infections can cause rheumatic fever. An infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever, triggers your body’s immune response. It causes inflammation throughout the body, including in the heart. If untreated, the inflammation can lead to permanent heart valve damage and serious health problems. Show
Who gets rheumatic heart disease?Children and teenagers with untreated strep infections are the most likely to get rheumatic fever. Signs of heart damage can develop years after the infection and fever are gone. How common is rheumatic heart disease?Rheumatic heart disease is rare in the U.S. It’s more common in low-income or developing parts of the world. Antibiotics for bacterial infections may not be available in these areas. About 300,000 people worldwide die of rheumatic heart disease each year. Who is at risk for rheumatic heart disease?People are at a higher risk for this disease if they:
Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease may not appear until years after a strep infection or rheumatic fever. People with heart damage may experience:
What causes rheumatic heart disease?Heart valve inflammation from rheumatic fever causes rheumatic heart disease. The damage may occur right away. Or it can develop over time from repeated strep infections. Continuing inflammation leads to heart valve scarring and narrowing. The disease tends to affect the mitral and aortic heart valves. These valves control blood flow. If the valves don’t work, blood leaks backward into the heart instead of flowing out of the heart. Diagnosis and TestsHow is rheumatic heart disease diagnosed?Your healthcare provider:
Your provider may use the following tests to diagnose heart valve disease:
Management and TreatmentHow is rheumatic heart disease treated?There’s no cure for rheumatic heart disease. Treatment can help you manage symptoms and may delay disease progress. Treatments include:
How is heart valve repair performed?During heart valve repair surgery (also called balloon valvuloplasty), your surgeon:
How is heart valve replacement performed?If it’s not possible to perform a repair, you may need valve replacement surgery. Your surgeon replaces the damaged valve with an artificial valve or a tissue valve. In some cases, your surgeon may perform a Ross procedure. The procedure swaps one of your healthy valves for the damaged valve. PreventionHow can I prevent rheumatic heart disease?You can prevent rheumatic heart disease by taking antibiotics at the first signs of a streptococcal infection. See your healthcare provider if you or your child has:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the outlook for people who have rheumatic heart disease?People with well-managed rheumatic heart disease can enjoy a high quality of life. The right treatments may delay or prevent heart failure. But the disease is permanent and requires long-term care. What are the complications of rheumatic heart disease?Rheumatic heart disease can lead to:
Any of these conditions can increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. How does rheumatic heart disease affect pregnant people?Rheumatic heart disease is especially dangerous for pregnant people. Pregnancy increases the amount of blood in your body. Your heart has to work harder to pump the extra blood. A person with damaged heart valves can have serious health issues during pregnancy. The fetus's health is also at risk. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?Contact your healthcare provider if you experience new or worsened symptoms, including:
A note from Cleveland ClinicRheumatic heart disease is the result of inflammation in the heart. The inflammation is your body’s immune response to an untreated bacterial infection. Over time, it damages your heart valves and disrupts blood flow. Rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart failure. People with the condition need careful monitoring and treatment. What is the most common serious complication of rheumatic heart disease?The major cause of death and disability from RHD is heart failure. Over time, scarred and damaged heart valves make it impossible for the heart to pump blood effectively. Without a well-functioning heart, fluid builds up in the lungs and body, causing symptoms like breathlessness, swelling and fatigue.
What damage occurs from rheumatic fever?Rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. Treatment can ease pain, reduce damage from inflammation and prevent a recurrence of rheumatic fever.
What is the most common major manifestation of acute rheumatic fever?Carditis is the major cardiac manifestation of acute rheumatic fever, occurring in 50% to 70% of first episodes, and is associated with valvulitis.
What cardiac complications are associated with rheumatic fever?Although rheumatic fever can affect any heart valve, it most commonly affects the mitral valve which lies between the two chambers of the left side of the heart. The damage can cause valve stenosis, valve regurgitation and/or damage to the heart muscle.
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