Search Knowledgebase

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic heart disease is inflammation and damage to the heart muscle and heart valves that develop as a result of rheumatic fever. A strep throat infection that is not properly treated can trigger rheumatic fever.

Not all people who have rheumatic fever develop rheumatic heart disease. But any heart damage that occurs is usually permanent.

Last Revised: September 20, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.