Rheumatic fever, also known as acute rheumatic fever (ARF), is an inflammatory disease that can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. [1] The disease typically develops two to four weeks after a throat infection. [2]

Rheumatic heart disease is the most dreaded complication of rheumatic fever. The term "rheumatic heart disease" refers to the chronic heart valve damage that can occur after a person has had an episode of acute rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic heart disease describes a group of acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) heart disorders that can occur as a result of rheumatic fever. The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage starts with an untreated or under-treated strep infection. In some cases, strep throat or scarlet fever, which are caused by streptococcus A bacteria, can progress to rheumatic fever if not treated properly.

Acute rheumatic heart disease often produces a pancarditis characterized by endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Endocarditis is manifested as valve insufficiency.

Rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever in which the heart valves are damaged. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that begins with strep throat.

What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic (pronounced roo-MAT-ik) heart disease is a condition in which the heart was damaged by rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic Heart Disease: insurance options, symptoms, cause, treatment, complications, what to expect, diet restrictions, disability, prevention, risks, long-term outlook, statistics

Acute rheumatic fever is a multisystem disease characterized by involvement of the heart, joints, central nervous system (CNS), subcutaneous tissues, and skin.