Evidence-informed content. Review status is maintained by the editorial team.
Rheumatic fever
Overview
Rheumatic fever affects the heart or circulation in children. Some findings are harmless, while others need prompt investigation and specialist follow-up.
This guide provides general education and cannot diagnose an individual or replace professional assessment.
Signs and symptoms
Possible signs include palpitations, chest discomfort, faintness, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, swelling, fever or changes in colour.
Age, development, duration, severity and impact on daily life help determine what the symptom means.
Causes
Congenital structure, electrical rhythm, inflammation, infection, kidney or hormonal disease and inherited factors can contribute.
Risk factors
Family history, congenital heart disease, kidney disease, certain infections, medicines and chronic conditions may raise risk. Risk factors do not confirm a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Assessment may include blood pressure, oxygen level, examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and blood tests.
Treatment options
Treatment ranges from observation to medicines, treatment of inflammation or infection, catheter procedures or surgery.
Home care
Follow activity and medicine guidance, attend cardiology reviews and report fainting, exercise symptoms or a sustained racing heartbeat.
Prevention
Not all heart conditions are preventable. Infection prevention, healthy routines and monitoring known risks support cardiovascular health.
Possible complications
Untreated disease may affect heart function, coronary arteries, blood pressure or rhythm.
When to seek urgent medical care
Emergency help is needed for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, blue-grey colour, chest pain with exertion or a sustained very fast heartbeat with weakness.
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey colour, collapse, reduced responsiveness, uncontrolled bleeding or rapidly worsening serious illness.
Frequently asked questions
Should we wait and see?
Brief mild symptoms can sometimes be observed, but new, severe, persistent or worsening symptoms deserve professional advice.
What should I record?
Note timing, triggers, duration, associated symptoms, medicines, sleep and the effect on eating, drinking, movement, learning or family life.
Who should assess this?
Start with the child’s primary-care clinician, dentist, optometrist, hearing professional, maternity professional or mental-health clinician as appropriate. Emergency warning signs need urgent services.
Summary
Clinical assessment separates innocent findings from conditions requiring treatment.
References
OUR REVIEW PROMISE
Evidence-based, clearly reviewed.
Healthier Baby Today articles are reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
