Rheumatic heart disease is a condition where the valves of the heart become damaged as a result of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can also affect other joints and systems in your body. Rheumatic heart disease can happen at any age. It can lead to permanent damage to the heart valves and cause serious illness. It can even be fatal. Since this condition can be prevented it is important to be aware of the risk factors of rheumatic heart disease.
Age
According to the World Heart Federation the condition can happen to anyone but usually occurs in children between ages five and 15. It is especially prevalent in children who live in poverty and developing nations. It begins with a strep throat that may have symptoms so mild and general in the early stages that it goes undiagnosed. However, in some children strep throat sets off an abnormal response in the immune system. If caught early enough, access to penicillin and antibiotics can help prevent complications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the heart's valves.
Rheumatic Fever
The bacteria that causes strep throat, Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause rheumatic fever if it is not treated properly, according to the American Heart Association. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that attacks the valves of the heart. You can not get rheumatic fever from strep throat that is caused by a virus, it needs to be a bacterial infection. Be on the lookout for a painful or sore throat that gets worse quickly, a fever between 101 to 104 degrees, headaches, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. These are signs of strep throat that need to be addressed. If you develop symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, irregular heart rhythm, fatigue or skin rashes your strep throat may be turning into rheumatic fever. At this stage you need medical attention to help prevent rheumatic heart disease.
Geographical Location
Individuals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent that live in remote areas are at a higher risk of developing rheumatic heart disease, according to According to the National Heart Foundation of Australia. It is also found in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. There is also a high percentage of deaths from this condition in these populations. Individuals in these areas may not always have access to proper screening and medication. In addition, there is often no follow up on care and patients may not take their medications as prescribed.
