Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that usually occurs in children and affects various parts of the body including the heart, joints, skin, and brain. While it can affect anyone, it’s most common in children aged 5-15 years.

What Causes Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic fever is caused by an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection, commonly known as strep throat. The bacteria responsible for strep throat are called group A streptococcus (GAS).

In some people, the body’s immune system mounts a response to the strep infection, which causes the inflammation that leads to rheumatic fever.

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever

The symptoms of rheumatic fever usually appear two to four weeks after a strep throat infection and can vary widely depending on the specific part of the body affected. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:.

Fever
Joint pain and swelling
Small, painless nodules under the skin
Heart palpitations or abnormal heartbeats
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Uncontrolled movements of the arms, legs, or face (known as Sydenham’s chorea)
Fatigue and weakness
Red, raised rash on the trunk or extremities
Abdominal pain or vomiting

How Does Rheumatic Fever Affect the Heart?

Rheumatic fever can cause significant damage to the heart if left untreated or if treatment is delayed.

The inflammation caused by rheumatic fever can lead to a condition called rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which occurs when scar tissue forms on the heart valves. Scar tissue can lead to valve stenosis, a narrowing of the valve, which can impair blood flow through the heart.

Scar tissue can also cause valve regurgitation, or leakage, which can cause blood to flow back into the heart and result in increased strain on the heart muscle.

Diagnosing Rheumatic Fever

There is no single test that can diagnose rheumatic fever. Instead, healthcare professionals use a combination of clinical assessments, laboratory tests, and medical imaging to make a diagnosis. Some of the most commonly used diagnostic tools include:.

Throat culture or rapid strep test to detect the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria
Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for abnormalities in the heart’s electrical signals
Echocardiogram to check for signs of valve damage or inflammation in the heart

Treatment Options for Rheumatic Fever

The primary treatment for rheumatic fever is a course of antibiotics to clear the strep infection and prevent future episodes of rheumatic fever.

Depending on the severity of the condition, healthcare professionals may also recommend medications to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and protect the heart. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Preventing Rheumatic Fever

The best way to prevent rheumatic fever is to promptly treat strep throat infections with antibiotics.

Healthcare professionals also recommend frequent hand-washing, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who have strep throat or other contagious illnesses.

Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, there are steps you can take to manage your condition and reduce the risk of complications. Some of the most important strategies include:.

Taking all medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
Getting regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or ankles
Working with a healthcare team that includes cardiologists, nurses, and other specialists who can help manage your condition
Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Managing any other health conditions you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

Conclusion

Rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can have long-lasting consequences if left untreated.

By understanding the signs and symptoms of rheumatic fever and taking steps to prevent and manage the condition, you can protect your heart and live a healthy, active life.