Acute Rheumatic Heart Disease C0035440
Heart inflammation from rheumatic fever affecting the valves. Follows untreated strep infections and may need long-term monitoring and medication to prevent complications.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- I78.0
- ICD-11
- BA00.0
- Body system
- cardiovascular
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Chest discomfort or palpitations
(cardiovascular)Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.
Frequency: Varies
Fever
(cardiovascular)Migratory joint pain
(cardiovascular)Cardiac murmur
(cardiovascular)Sydenham chorea
(cardiovascular)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Antibiotic therapy for streptococcal infection
Eradication of group A streptococcal infection using appropriate antibiotics to eliminate the underlying trigger of the autoimmune inflammatory response affecting the heart.
Disease management and monitoring
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Aspirin or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in cardiac tissue during the acute rheumatic phase, aiming to minimize permanent valve damage and systemic inflammatory symptoms.
Additional treatment options
Heart failure management
Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other cardiac medications to manage symptoms when rheumatic valve disease has progressed to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
medicationActivity restrictions and cardiac rehabilitation
Graduated exercise programs under supervision combined with activity limitations during acute inflammation to reduce cardiac workload and promote safe recovery.
lifestyleValve repair or replacement surgery
Surgical intervention to repair or replace severely damaged heart valves when conservative management fails to control symptoms or prevent complications from valvular stenosis or regurgitation.
surgicalWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Acute Rheumatic Heart Disease C0035440?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Carapetis JR, Beaton A, Cunningham MW, et al. Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: 2020 World Heart Federation Guidelines. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2021.
Nulu S, Bukhman G, Kwan GF. Rheumatic Heart Disease: Current Status of Diagnosis and Therapy. Cardiol Clin. 2020.
Karthikeyan G, Guo-Dong H, Juneja A, et al. Secondary Prevention of Acute Rheumatic Fever: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022.
Zühlke L, Engel ME, Kretzschmar D, et al. Implementation of Echocardiographic Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Circulation. 2023.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Acute Rheumatic Heart Disease C0035440. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy