RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE
DEFINITION
Rheumatic heart disease is a serious complication of rheumatic fever, a disease in which
infection of the upper respiratory tract by Group A beta hemolytic streptococcal bacteria
leads to heart disease.
Rheumatic fever is a diffuse inflammatory disease which occurs as a delayed response to a
pharyngeal infection by GROUP A BETA- HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI.
It will affect the heart, joint, central nervous system, skin & subcutaneous tissue.
The resulting damage to the heart from rheumatic fever is called “RHEUMATIC HEART
DISEASE”.
INCIDENCE
In developing countries 100 per 1,00,00 Population.
2 per 100000 population in developed countries, this declines is due to prevention of disease.
Crowding.
ETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS
Climate.
Group A’ Beta Hemolytic Streptococci. Family incidences.
Poor hygiene. Low socio economic status.
Poverty. Children's between the age of 5 to 15 yrs.
Low Immune response.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci
Initially affects the pharynx
Pharyngitis
Diffuse, proliferative & exudative inflammatory process occur
Antigen – antibody response develop
Rheumatic fever
Antigen binds to the receptors of heart,joints,subcutaneous tissues, skin & CNS.
CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES
It affects the 3 layers of the heart:
Endocardium.
Myocardium.
Pericardium.
JOINTS
Inflammatory changes occur in the joints
Causes migratory polyarthritis.
It is characterized by:
Swelling.
Heat.
Redness.
Tenderness.
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DEFINITION
Rheumatic heart disease is a serious complication of rheumatic fever, a disease in which
infection of the upper respiratory tract by Group A beta hemolytic streptococcal bacteria
leads to heart disease.
Rheumatic fever is a diffuse inflammatory disease which occurs as a delayed response to a
pharyngeal infection by GROUP A BETA- HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI.
It will affect the heart, joint, central nervous system, skin & subcutaneous tissue.
The resulting damage to the heart from rheumatic fever is called “RHEUMATIC HEART
DISEASE”.
INCIDENCE
In developing countries 100 per 1,00,00 Population.
2 per 100000 population in developed countries, this declines is due to prevention of disease.
Crowding.
ETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS
Climate.
Group A’ Beta Hemolytic Streptococci. Family incidences.
Poor hygiene. Low socio economic status.
Poverty. Children's between the age of 5 to 15 yrs.
Low Immune response.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci
Initially affects the pharynx
Pharyngitis
Diffuse, proliferative & exudative inflammatory process occur
Antigen – antibody response develop
Rheumatic fever
Antigen binds to the receptors of heart,joints,subcutaneous tissues, skin & CNS.
CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES
It affects the 3 layers of the heart:
Endocardium.
Myocardium.
Pericardium.
JOINTS
Inflammatory changes occur in the joints
Causes migratory polyarthritis.
It is characterized by:
Swelling.
Heat.
Redness.
Tenderness.
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