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. It primarily affects children and young adults, especially in areas with limited access to medical care. The damage to the heart valves can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Prevention focuses on treating strep throat promptly with antibiotics to reduce the risk of developing rheumatic fever and, subsequently, rheumatic heart disease.