MamasHealth.com Home Heart Disease Pages Acyanotic Angina Atherosclerosis Arrhythmia Blood Pressure Cholesterol Coronary Disease Cor Pulmonale Cyanotic Healthy Heart Heart Disease Heart Disease Risks Heart Disease Stats Heart Defect Treatments Heart Failure Heart Murmurs Heart Palpitations Human Heart More Bloodpressure Myocarditis Questions to ask your Doctor Rheumatic Heart Disease Links Email Mama Heart healthy oils Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What is Rheumatic Heart Disease? Rheumatic (roo-MAT-ik) heart disease was formerly one of the most serious forms of heart disease of childhood and adolescence.  Rheumatic heart disease involves damage to the entire heart and its membranes. Rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever and usually occurs after attacks of rheumatic fever. The incidence of rheumatic heart disease has been greatly reduced by widespread use of antibiotics effective against the streptococcal bacterium that causes rheumatic fever. What causes Rheumatic Heart Disease? Rheumatic fever causes rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic fever results from an untreated strep throat. Rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves. If the heart valves are damaged, they will fail to open and close properly. When this damage is permanent, the condition is called rheumatic heart disease. Who is at risk for Rheumatic Fever? Rheumatic fever is uncommon in the United States. However, rheumatic fever can occur in children who have had strep infections that were untreated or inadequately treated. What are the symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease? Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatic heart disease are: breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, and fainting attacks. Treatment options for Rheumatic Heart Disease? Treatment of rheumatic heart disease may include medication and surgery. Medication will aim to avoid overexertion. Surgery may be needed to replace the damaged valve(s). Can Rheumatic Heart Disease be Prevented? The best way to prevent rheumatic heart disease is to seek immediate medical attention to a strep throat and not let it progress to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic Heart Disease Statistics Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease afflict about 1,800,000 Americans. Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease killed 5,014 Americans in 1997.	Featured Book
	Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know Finding time for sex How to choose the best weight loss program Easy flirting tips How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend Surviving a financial crisis Save money in the kitchen Inexpensive health insurance
	Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use. Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170 If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know. ©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved