Rheumatic heart disease
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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a notifiable chronic condition caused by damage
to the heart valves, which occurs
after single or repeated episodes of
acute rheumatic fever (ARF). ARF is
an autoimmune disease which occurs
following infection with Group A Streptococcus
bacterium (Strep). Repeated episodes of ARF can lead
to accumulative damage to the
heart valves, which may require
surgery.
If untreated, RHD can lead to
heart failure and complications like stroke
and can greatly reduce the ability to lead a normal life.
RHD can cause complications in pregnancy.
Risk groups for RHD
At high risk
- Living in an ARF-endemic setting (e.g. ARF incidence >30/100,000 per year in 5 to 14-year-olds, or RHD prevalence >2/1000).
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples living in rural or remote settings;
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Maori and/or Pacific Islander peoples living in metropolitan households affected by crowding and/or lower socioeconomic status.
- Personal history of ARF/RHD and aged <40 years.
- Family or household recent history of ARF/RHD.
May be at high risk/additional considerations
- Family or household recent history of ARF/RHD.
- Household overcrowding (2 or more people per bedroom) or low socioeconomic status.
- Migrant or refugee from low-or-middle-income country and their children.
- Prior residence in or frequent recent travel to a high ARF risk setting.
- Aged 5 to 20 years (peak years for ARF).
Strep infections, ARF and
RHD are preventable
with improved housing and living
conditions and early antibiotic
treatment.
Public health management guidelines
Notification
Attending medical practitioners/medical superintendents (or delegates)
- Notification criteria
- Notification procedure
- Download the Notification form for clinicians to report all confirmed and suspected cases to the Rheumatic Heart Disease Register and Control Program.
Notification resources
Clinical guidelines
Resources for health professionals
RHD Australia - information and resources for families, community and health care workers; including professional development and rheumatic heart disease programs.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Action Plan 2018 - 2021 (PDF, 1.4MB)
