Rheumatic Heart Disease
Lasting damage to the heart valves caused by rheumatic fever, which follows untreated strep throat infections.
Quick Summary
Breathlessness, tiredness, palpitations, chest pain, swelling of the legs and a heart murmur.
Regular penicillin to prevent further rheumatic fever, medicines for symptoms, and valve repair or replacement.
Repeated strep throat infections without treatment, crowded living conditions and young age.
Overview
Rheumatic fever is an immune reaction to group A Streptococcus throat infection. It can inflame the heart and scar its valves.
Rheumatic heart disease is still common in India. It's preventable by treating strep throat with antibiotics and by regular penicillin for people who've had rheumatic fever.
Symptoms
Breathlessness
Especially with activity or lying flat.
Palpitations
A fast or irregular heartbeat.
Tiredness
Getting tired easily.
Swollen legs
From fluid build-up in heart failure.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Repeated episodes of rheumatic fever cause scarring that narrows or leaks the heart valves, most often the mitral valve.
Key Risk Factors
- Untreated strep throat The trigger for rheumatic fever.
- Crowding and poverty Increase strep spread.
- Age Rheumatic fever is most common in children aged 5 to 15.
Management & Treatment
01. Secondary prevention
Regular benzathine penicillin injections to prevent further rheumatic fever.
02. Medicines
For heart failure and rhythm problems; blood thinners when needed.
03. Valve procedures
Balloon valvotomy, valve repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be prevented?
Is pregnancy safe?
How is it diagnosed?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Heart Valve Diseases(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine