Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that occurs following a Streptococcus pyogenes infection, such as streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever. Believed to be caused by antibody cross-reactivity that can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain, the illness typically develops two to three weeks after a streptococcal infection. Acute rheumatic fever commonly appears in children between the ages of 6 and 15, with only 20% of first-time attacks occurring in adults. The illness is so named because of its similarity in presentation to rheumatism.
Read more about Rheumatic Heart Disease: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Prevention, Treatment, Epidemiology
Famous quotes containing the words heart and/or disease:
“O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
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