Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection such as strep throat or scarlet fever.

What bacteria causes rheumatic carditis?

Rheumatic heart disease starts as a sore throat from a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which can pass easily from person to person in the same way as other upper respiratory tract infections. Strep infections are most common in childhood.

What happens if rheumatic heart disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart valve damage, stroke, heart failure, and death.