Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

cardiovascular disorders

what is rheumatic fever?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I am a survivor of rheumatic fever.  The only sympthoms I had were pains in my joints.  My elbows, knees and shoulder blades all at different times.  I was not diagnosed with rheumatic fever until after having complications with swelling because of  heart problems. I did receive injections of long acting penicillin from the time I was 13 until my first heart surgery.  I have since had two mitral valve replacements over the last 40 years.  Rheumatic fever at 10 - 13.  First valve replace at 21 and second at 35 yrs old.

Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease which is a complication of inadequately treated strep throat. It can cause permanent damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. Prevention of recurrence is achieved by eradicating the acute infection and prophylaxis with antibiotics. Monthly injections of long acting penicillin must be given for a period of five years in patients having one attack of rheumatic fever.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Congestive Heart Failure Community

Top Heart Disease Answerers
159619 tn?1707018272
Salt Lake City, UT
11548417 tn?1506080564
Netherlands
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.