Rheumatic Cardiac Heart Disease

Rheumatic cardiac heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever.  During the fever, permanent damage is caused to the heart valves.  In many cases this begins with a case of strep throat, that then progresses to rheumatic fever because of the bacteria streptococcus A.  Generally it is caused when strep throat is left untreated.
In most cases, just about anyone can contract rheumatic fever, but generally it usually happens to those that are ages 5- 15.  Due to antibiotics, it is relatively rare, however it can be found to happen in inner city neighborhoods and to those resistant to antibiotics.  The biggest risk factor involved with rheumatic fever is it’s contribution to rheumatic cardiac heart disease.

The fever can scar your heart valves and force your heart to work much harder than necessary to pump blood.  With rheumatic cardiac heart disease, the valve either will not completely close, or will not completely open.  This can cause serious heart problems and can even lead to congestive heart failure.

Rheumatic cardiac heart disease can be prevented, if you prevent acute rheumatic fever from developing. This can be accomplished by keeping a close watch on your health and making sure to take your antibiotics for strep throat.

You should also know that those who have already experienced rheumatic fever are at a much greater risk of suffering from it again and risking heart damage.  This means you may be given life time antibiotic treatments in order to prevent a reoccurence of rheumatic fever, and hopefully prevent rheumatic cardiac heart disease.

Some of the symptoms of rheumatic fever include a fever, lattice like rash, usually found on the chest, back and stomach, that is red and raised, a well as weakness and shortness of breath, and uncontrolled movements of your arms, legs, and facial muscles.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to see your doctor in an effort to prevent heart damage and rheumatic cardiac heart disease.