What is rheumatic heart disease?
When rheumatic fever affects the heart, this is called rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease is the damage to the valves that makes the heart weak.
The heart has 4 sections, which are like 'rooms' also called chambers. The heart valves are the 'doors' that stop the blood from flowing the wrong way. When the heart pumps, blood flows from one chamber to the next.
What happens if I have rheumatic heart disease?
If rheumatic fever has affected your heart, you may also be under the care of a cardiologist (heart doctor). They may ask you to have a heart scan (echocardiogram) regularly. This is so they can see how your valves are working. If your valve is very damaged, you may need surgery to repair or replace the valve. The cardiologist and healthcare team can give you more information if this is the case.
Unhealthy valves are sometimes referred to as 'leaky valves'. This means the blood is leaking between the chambers in the heart. It does not mean blood is leaking out of the heart into the body.
My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey Introduction
Checklist - Going Home From Hospital After My Rheumatic Fever
Taking Care Of My Health After A Diagnosis Of Rheumatic Fever
What Exactly Is Rheumatic Fever?
My Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Journey In Pictures
What Exactly Is Rheumatic Heart Disease? (You are here)
How Will My Rheumatic Fever Be Managed?
What Other Ways Can I Look After My Health After Rheumatic Fever?
When Can I Return To Doing The Things I Enjoy After Rheumatic Fever?
Will I Need Regular Medical Check-Ups After Rheumatic Fever?
Acknowledgements
This information is adapted from the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet produced by the Rheumatic Fever Project Team, Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
Rheumatic heart disease illustration by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
References
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet (PDF, 9.94 MB). Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
