Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition where one or more heart valves become damaged due to prior rheumatic fever, which typically results from untreated strep throat or scarlet fever. If left untreated, this condition can lead to complications such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and valve infections. Symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain, thumping sensations in the chest, shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, and swelling in the stomach, ankles, and wrists.