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.