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Home Health Library Rheumatic Heart Disease
Serious severity · Cardiology

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Damaged valves after rheumatic fever

Untreated strep throat in childhood can trigger rheumatic fever, which scars the heart valves. Preventable with timely antibiotics; surgical if severe.

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At a glance
Prevalence
1 in 1000 South Asian kids
Typical age
5–15 years onset
Outlook
Preventable, lifelong if missed
System
Heart
Reviewed by a verified Cardiology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Untreated streptococcal sore throat
  • Recurrent throat infections
  • Crowded living conditions
  • Genetic susceptibility
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Breathlessness on effort
  • Fatigue and palpitations
  • Chest discomfort
  • Swollen legs in late stages
  • Heart murmur on exam
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • Long-term penicillin prophylaxis
  • Anti-failure medications
  • Valve repair or replacement surgery
  • Anticoagulation if AF develops
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Treat every sore throat with rapid strep test
  • Penicillin for 10 full days if positive
  • Monthly benzathine penicillin shots if rheumatic fever occurred
  • Yearly cardiology review

Do’s

  • Finish every antibiotic course
  • Keep up monthly penicillin shots
  • Maintain dental hygiene to prevent endocarditis
  • Inform doctors before any surgery

Don’ts

  • Stop antibiotics when sore throat eases
  • Skip dental visits
  • Get pregnant without cardiac clearance
  • Use steroids for sore throat
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Rheumatic Heart Disease

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

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JP 1

Dr. Jean Pratheesh

Pediatrics · 5 yrs

0 (0)
Shree Amithammal Trust Hospital · Villapuram
Next slot By appointment · ₹500
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AS 2

Dr. Aashita Sinha

Pediatrics · 3 yrs

0 (0)
Vatsalya Children Care · 5th floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
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KR 3

Dr. Kunjanben Rami

Homeopathy · 20 yrs

0 (0)
Dr.Kunjan's Homeopathic clinic · 1
Next slot By appointment · ₹2000
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KN 4

Dr. kachhela nirav

Homeopathy · 19 yrs

0 (0)
shreeji homoeopathy clinic · 310- infinity tower
Next slot By appointment · ₹2000
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Related conditions
Heart Attack
Myocardial infarction · Blocked coronary artery
Hypertension
High blood pressure · The silent killer
Arrhythmia
Irregular heartbeat · Skipped or racing beats
Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.