What is the connection between Rheumatic fever and Rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are both closely connected as one leads to the other. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur after an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection. It is characterized by the body's immune system attacking its own tissues, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and brain. If left untreated or poorly managed, rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart valves, leading to rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic condition where the heart valves become scarred and damaged, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. Therefore, reducing the risk of rheumatic fever is crucial in preventing the development of rheumatic heart disease.

This mind map was published on 17 October 2023 and has been viewed 42 times.