Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever - an inflammatory disease that may develop after a streptococcal infection such as scarlet fever or strep throat. In some people, the streptococci bacteria can cause the body to overreact, producing antibodies that not only attack the organisms, but also the joints, tendons, heart valves and heart muscle. This causes the joints to become inflamed, stiff and painful, and may damage the heart muscle and valves, making it more susceptible to heart disease.
Rheumatic fever is now fortunately rare in the developed world, due to improved housing conditions, hygiene standards and increased antibiotic use.
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