What is RHD?

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a life-threatening disease that currently affects over 55 million people globally and over 500,000 Ugandans. RHD disproportionally affects children and young adults living in resource-limited settings. RHD is caused by untreated or undertreated recurrent strep infections. These infections can trigger an autoimmune response called rheumatic fever. The most serious manifestation of ARF is damage to the heart valves (RHD).

RHD can cause serious symptoms like fatigue, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and swollen joints. Complications from RHD can include stroke, heart failure, and complications in pregnancy. However, RHD is largely preventable through the recognition and treatment of strep throat by early diagnosis and early intervention for ARF.

How do I get RHD?

Figure: Development and Progression of Rheumatic Heart Disease

  1. RHD begins with group A Strep infection, most commonly strep throat. Untreated strep throat can trigger Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) which causes an autoimmune reaction.

  2. Rheumatic fever is the autoimmune response. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and swollen joints.