Rheumatic Heart Disease

Question 1

What age group and groups are most at risk of ARF?

Answer 1

5-14yrs have highest incidence

ATSI, Māori and individuals w history of ARF infection at high risk

Question 2

What is the cause of ARF?

Answer 2

Immune reaction 3wks after Group A Step (GAS) infection

Question 3

What is the Jones Criteria for diagnosing ARF?

Answer 3

2 major criteria + previous GAS infection

1 major + 2 minor + previous GAS infection

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of ARF?

Answer 4

Joints = migratory polyarthritis

O = carditis (O looks like a heart)

N = Subcutaneous Nodules

Erythema marginatum

Sydenham’s chorea

Question 5

What is the primary prevention of ARF?

Answer 5

Early identification and treatment of Strep A

Interrupt link between Strep A and abnormal immune response

Question 5

What is the secondary prevention of ARF?

Answer 5

Regular antibiotics (prevent reoccurrence)

BPG every 38 days

Culturally appropriate approach

Question 6

What is the cause of RHD?

Answer 6

Long-term damage to heart after ARF

Question 7

What is the order of damage to heart valves?

Answer 7

Mitral –> Aortic –> Tricuspids –> pulmonary

Question 8

What are the consequence’s of RHD?

Answer 8

Heart works harder and faster to pump blood –> hypertrophy

Heart wears out –> arrythmias

Increased risk of bacterial endocarditis