Rheumatic heart disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the valves of the heart become damaged. This damage can occur following one or more episodes of rheumatic fever. This refers to an autoimmune response to group A Streptococcus (group A strep) bacterium. Group A strep can cause infections such as strep throat or scarlet fever. These infections can trigger inflammation in the body, including the heart and its valves. Without treatment, it can permanently damage the heart valves.
People are at greater risk of developing rheumatic fever if they have poor living conditions, including living in overcrowded housing, and they have limited access to medical care.
What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?
People with rheumatic heart disease may not notice symptoms for many years. The symptoms will depend on the type of heart damage, and how serious it is.
People with mild rheumatic heart disease may have a heartbeat that sounds abnormal (known as a heart murmur) which doctors can hear using a stethoscope.
Symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatic heart disease include:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath when exercising or lying down
Weakness and tiredness
Palpitations
Swollen legs and face
Over time, severe rheumatic heart disease can cause serious complications such as:
Heart failure
Infection of damaged heart valves (endocarditis)
Stroke
A rapid heartbeat or other disturbed heart rhythms (heart arrhythmias)
