Rheumatic Cardiac Disease (RHD) is a set of short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) heart problems caused by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause heart valve deterioration, which can develop to a valve disease.
RHD, according to Dr Betty Gikonyo, a Paediatric Cardiologist, is a preventable condition that primarily affects children aged 5 to 15. The fever has been reported to affect older children and adults, but it is more common in girls. Rheumatic fever is a dangerous infection that can lead to stroke, permanent heart damage, and death if left untreated.
One of the problems connected with strep throat is rheumatic fever.
Symptoms and signs
On the basis of a physical exam and lab testing, a strep test is performed to determine the cause of a sore throat. Your doctor will search for signs and symptoms of strep throat, such as fever and enlarged lymph nodes, and will likely use a tongue depressor to obtain a good look at your throat and tonsils during the exam.
In certain youngsters, rheumatic fever triggers an aberrant immune response that destroys heart valves. The symptoms of this reaction are hazy and readily confused with those of other illnesses. When the external signs of rheumatic fever are healed, people often appear and feel well again, but if they get more streptococcal infections, the rheumatic fever returns, worsening their cardiac condition.