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May 22, 2013
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Rheumatic Heart Disease


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.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDonald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last RevisedJuly 27, 2010

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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