Which circulatory system disease is caused by untreated strep throat infections?
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart. Untreated or under-treated strep infections put a person at increased risk. Children who get repeated strep throat infections are at the most risk for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
What streptococcal infection causes damage to the heart valves and heart muscle?
Rheumatic fever is caused by certain strains of streptococcal bacteria. A strep throat infection that isn’t properly treated can trigger rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage heart muscle and heart valves. Not all people who have rheumatic fever develop rheumatic heart disease.
What does strep do to your heart?
When your body senses the strep infection, it sends antibodies to fight it. Sometimes, these antibodies attack the tissues of your joints or heart instead. If the antibodies attack your heart, they can cause your heart valves to swell, which can lead to scarring of the valve “doors” (called leaflets or cusps).
What are the circulatory diseases?
Diseases that can affect the circulatory system include:
- Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.
- Heart attack.
- Mitral valve prolapse.
- Mitral valve regurgitation.
- Mitral stenosis.
- Angina pectoris.
- Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia.
- Cardiac Ischemia.
What are the 3 common diseases of the circulatory system?
Circulatory System Diseases: What You Should Know
- High blood pressure.
- CAD.
- Heart attacks.
- Heart failure.
- Strokes.
- Aneurism.
- PAD.
- Risk factors.
What is infective endocarditis?
Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle (endocardium) caused by bacteria, fungi, or germs that enter through the bloodstream.