Rheumatic Heart Disorder

Rheumatic heart disorder, also known as rheumatic heart disease, is a cardiac condition caused by rheumatic fever. Children with untreated strep throat infections are especially vulnerable to rheumatic heart disease, which can ultimately lead to heart failure.

Early Stages

• Children ages 5 to 15 who have a lot of untreated or poorly treated strep throat infections are especially at risk for developing rheumatic fever and possibly rheumatic heart disorder, according to the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System.

Rheumatic Fever Symptoms

• Rash, fever, weight loss, stomach pains, jerky movements and joint inflammation occurring one to five weeks after possible strep throat can indicate rheumatic fever.

Heart Damage

• Rheumatic fever affects all the organs and joints of the body, and is known to cause scarring of the heart valves. This makes the heart have to work harder to pump blood.

Severity

• Some rheumatic heart disorders are mild and can resolve on their own. Others can lead to congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump out all the blood entering it.

Treatment

• Rheumatic heart disorder treatment includes bed rest, antibiotics, cardiac medications and, in extreme cases of valve damage, surgical valve repair or replacement.