Rheumatic Fever Cardiovascular Health Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic fever is a rare childhood disease that can cause permanent heart damage. Rheumatic fever occurs most commonly in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Immune system overactivity leads to tissue damage and inflammation, particularly in the heart.
Most symptoms resolve after weeks or months.
In many cases, however, there is permanent damage to the valves of the heart. Prompt treatment of strep throat with antibiotics can prevent the development of rheumatic fever. Once rheumatic fever has developed, antibiotics are not effective in stopping the course of the disease or preventing damage to the heart. Nevertheless, antibiotics are given to clear up any remaining strep infection. New infection can trigger recurrence of rheumatic fever, with risk for further heart damage.