Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Diseases
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease of the heart potentially involving all layers of the heart. The resulting damage to the heart form rheumatic fever is called rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Most common in 6-15 years of ages.
Causes
Rheumatic fever occurs as a delayed sequela of a group A Beta -hemolytic streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory system.
Predisposing Factors
Socio-economic:
Factors - Incidence of rheumatic fever and RHD is higher in low socio-economic groups, crowded living conditions, poor nutrition and inadequate treatment.
Familial Factors
Related to abnormal immunological responses in the family.