Rheumatic heart disease is a caused by rheumatic fever and can lead to irreversible damage to the valves of the heart. The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin explains that the disease process typically begins with strep throat infection caused by a Streptococcus bacteria, eventually resulting in rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is uncommon, but can occur when strep throat infections are not treated properly.
Prevention
The best defense against rheumatic heart disease is to prevent a strep throat from evolving into rheumatic fever or treating the rheumatic fever as early as possible. The American Heart Association advises that the most common method of treatment for strep infections is penicillin and other antibiotics. Children are most at risk of developing rheumatic fever from strep throat, and antibiotic therapy should be used when necessary, though not excessively.
Recurring Infection
Individuals with a history of rheumatic fever are at higher risk for heart damage if this illness occurs again. The American Heart Association warns that if the heart is damaged by rheumatic fever, affected individuals are also susceptible to developing bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the heart's valves and lining. For this reason, individuals at risk are treated with antibiotic treatments in some cases for life, at monthly or regular doses, to prevent recurring infections. However, not all bacterial infections will increase the risk to the heart.
Treatment
Although the incidence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease is low in most developed countries, it remains the primary cause of cardiovascular death for individuals below the age of 50 years in many areas of the world. Damage to the heart from rheumatic disease can cause congestive heart failure in severe cases. The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin advises that if rheumatic fever causes heart inflammation, a child may be placed on bed rest and given antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to help prevent permanent heart damage. In cases where valve damage causes a congestive heart condition, other medications will be necessary, and surgery may be required to repair or replace the affected heart valve.
