the high temperatures associated with Rheumatic fever can cause heart damage and problems with the brain. I also seem to remember other heart problems can happen as well. Here is what the book says about complications;
Complications
Rheumatic heart disease. During a first rheumatic fever attack, about half of people develop heart inflammation, but this doesn't always result in permanent damage. Most people with rheumatic fever recover fully after six weeks. In some cases, however, one or more of the heart's valves may be scarred. Permanent heart damage due to rheumatic fever is known as rheumatic heart disease. In many cases, heart damage isn't discovered until years later.
In rare cases of rheumatic fever, the inflammation causes so much damage to the heart muscle that it leads to heart failure. In other cases, a scarred heart valve may prevent adequate blood flow or not seal tightly. If there's serious impairment to the function of affected heart valves, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the damaged valve or valves.
Other complications. Rheumatic fever can also affect these parts of the body:
Joints. Often, several joints are affected with painful swelling, redness and sensation of heat.
Brain. If acute rheumatic fever affects the brain, loss of coordination and uncontrolled movement of the limbs and face may occur. These movements are called chorea — from the Greek word "choreia," which means "choral dance." They're also sometimes called Sydenham's chorea, rheumatic chorea or St. Vitus' dance. Chorea occurs in about one in 10 rheumatic fever cases. Chorea usually subsides or disappears within weeks to months.
Skin. The disease can produce broad patches or, irregularly, round, faint pink or red areas on the skin (erythema marginatum). Lumps or nodules may occur beneath normal-appearing skin.
2007-07-03 02:07:08
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answer #1
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answered by Traveler 7
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answer is yes and all the complications mentioned by the fellow above can occur
2007-07-03 03:05:06
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answer #2
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answered by enquire999 1
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