Definition: Rheumatic heart disease is a serious complication of rheumatic fever, a disease in which infection of the upper respiratory tract by streptococcal bacteria leads to heart disease. The infection typically affects the heart valves (valvular rheumatic heart disease), but it can also affect other heart structures.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
From Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D., former About.com Guide
Updated March 09, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Photo © A.D.A.M.
Stroke Basics
Suggested Reading
Definitions for some stroke-related terms
Top Related Searches rheumatic heart disease complication of rheumatic fever streptococcal bacteria upper respiratory tract heart structures heart valves
Explore Stroke
Must Reads
Most Popular
Also from About.com:
©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.
