Why is Rheumatic Fever a concern?
Rheumatic Fever (RF) can damage body tissue by causing them to swell. More than half of the time, RF leads to scarring of the heart valves. This scarring can narrow the heart valve and make it harder for the valve to open or to close completely. In turn, heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. This valve damage can lead to a condition call RHD, which, in time, can lead to congestive heart failure. RF can continue to cause new problems for as many as 40 or 50 years after initial infection. What causes RHD? Rheumatic Fever (RF) causes Rheumatic heart disease. RF is not an infection itself, but rather the result of untreated or inadequately treated infection caused by streptococcus. When the body senses the infection, it sends antibodies to fight it. Sometimes, these antibodies attack the tissues of joints or heart instead. When antibody attacks heart valves, it damages heart valves. Who is at risk for RF? It is most common among children aged 5 to 15, but adults m
