Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic Heart Disease is a condition that can occur after a person has had rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory disease that can develop from untreated strep throat. This disease can damage the heart valves and lead to complications such as heart failure or irregular heartbeats.
The damage is caused by the body's immune response to the infection, which mistakenly attacks the heart tissue. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat can help prevent rheumatic fever and reduce the risk of developing rheumatic heart disease.