Rheumatic heart disease is inflammation and damage to the heart muscle and heart valves that develops 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.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Revised | July 27, 2010 |
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