Streptococcus is bacteria found in tonsillitis and strep throat. If this bacterium is left untreated the bacteria will travel through the blood stream to the heart. This bacterium affects the tissue damage from the inflammation around the heart valve.

There are several symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease. High fever, joint pain,
shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue. Sometimes a person has jerky movements from their muscles.

Patients with congenital heart problems are more susceptible to this bacterial infection. Also, others who have prosthetic valves are likely to have complications after step throat.

Intravenous antibiotics are prescribed for people who have Rheumatic Heart Disease. Antibiotics given intravenously have a quicker reaction than that of pill form. Sometimes surgery is used in the most severe cases. If the heart valve is damaged then surgery is used to replace the heart valves.

If think you have strep throat or if you have had heart problems and you think you may have come in contact with strep throat please contact your doctor.