How does rheumatic fever cause heart disease?
In some people, repeated strep infections cause the immune system to react against the tissues of the body including inflaming and scarring the heart valves. This is what is referred to as rheumatic fever. Rheumatic heart disease results then from the inflammation and scarring of heart valves caused by rheumatic fever.
What is the difference between rheumatic fever and heart disease?
Key points. Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart. Untreated or under-treated strep infections put a person at increased risk.
What is rheumatic fever effect on heart?
Rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. Treatments can reduce damage from inflammation, lessen pain and other symptoms, and prevent the recurrence of rheumatic fever.
Who RHD definition?
Rheumatic heart disease results from damage to heart valves caused by one or several episodes of rheumatic fever, an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to throat infection with group A streptococci (streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat).
What is rheumatic disease?
Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause your immune system to attack your joints, muscles, bones and organs. Rheumatic diseases are often grouped under the term “arthritis” — which is used to describe over 100 diseases and conditions.
What is the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?
Rheumatic Heart Disease Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of rheumatic fever, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease, include: Swelling, redness and pain in the joints. An inflammation of the heart muscle and tissue, causing a rapid heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance.
What is rheumatic heart disease symptoms?
What is rheumatic heart disease Wikipedia?
Rheumatic fever (RF) is an inflammatory disease that can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The disease typically develops two to four weeks after a streptococcal throat infection….
| Rheumatic fever | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Cardiology |
| Symptoms | Fever, multiple painful joints, involuntary muscle movements, erythema marginatum |
What causes rheumatic disease?
What Causes Rheumatic Disease? Most of these conditions happen when your immune system goes awry and attacks your own tissues. Doctors aren’t sure what causes this. Sometimes it’s in your genes.
How do you diagnose rheumatic heart disease?
Along with a complete health history and physical exam, tests used to diagnose rheumatic heart disease may include:
- Echocardiogram (echo). This test uses sound waves to check the heart’s chambers and valves.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Chest X-ray.
- Cardiac MRI.
- Blood tests.
What is rheumatic fever?
The disease results from damage to heart valves caused by one or several episodes of rheumatic fever, an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to throat infection with group A streptococci (streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat). It most commonly occurs in childhood, and can lead to death or life-long disability.
Does rheumatic fever affect the heart?
However, rheumatic fever remains common in many developing nations. Rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. Treatments can reduce damage from inflammation, lessen pain and other symptoms, and prevent the recurrence of rheumatic fever.
What is rheumatic heart disease?
What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection such as strep throat or scarlet fever.
Can rheumatic heart disease (rheumatic fever) be prevented?
Rheumatic heart disease is preventable. Since rheumatic heart disease results from rheumatic fever, an important strategy is to prevent rheumatic fever from occurring. Treatment of strep throat with appropriate antibiotics will prevent rheumatic fever.