What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
5. What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatic Heart Disease?
Although it does not guarantee you will develop heart disease, a past diagnosis of rheumatic fever is the most prominent risk factor for developing it. Children who have a history of repeated strep throat infections have a higher risk than others of developing rheumatic heart disease.
Other risk factors that contribute to general heart disease can increase your risk of complications from heart damage. These include smoking, lack of exercise and a family history of heart disease.
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