Permanent heart valve damage resulting from rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat, still common in developing countries including the Philippines.
See a doctor immediately if you have sore throat with fever—prompt treatment of strep throat prevents rheumatic fever. If you have known rheumatic heart disease, seek care for new or worsening shortness of breath, swelling, or palpitations.
Find a Specialist NowRheumatic heart disease (RHD) is permanent heart valve damage caused by rheumatic fever, which results from untreated strep throat. While rare in developed countries, RHD remains common in the Philippines.
RHD is preventable! A 10-day course of penicillin for strep throat prevents rheumatic fever completely.
Recognize Sore Throat Warning Signs:
For those who've had rheumatic fever:
RHD often strikes during childhood or young adulthood, limiting education and career opportunities. A condition that costs just a few pesos in antibiotics to prevent can require expensive surgery and lifelong care.
"Ang simpleng sore throat, huwag balewalain—ang puso ang maaaring masaktan." (A simple sore throat shouldn't be ignored—the heart could be the one to suffer.)
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