What is rheumatic heart disease?
Cardiovascular disease, which encompasses a range of heart conditions, is already the leading cause of death in the United States.
Rheumatic heart disease is one of those conditions.
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which rheumatic fever has permanently damaged the heart valves, causing symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain and swelling.
What is heart disease and how can the condition be prevented?
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that affects connective tissues, including in the heart, joints, skin or brain, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Though rare in the U.S., it primarily impacts children ages 5 to 15 with untreated or undertreated strep throat infections.
Rheumatic heart disease is not curable as the heart valves become scarred and narrowed over time, making it harder for the heart to function normally.
Doctors advise preventing rheumatic heart disease by preventing strep throat infections.
If you do contract strep throat, antibiotics are recommended to help keep you from developing rheumatic fever, which can lead to heart disease.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
a day ago
- The Hill
FDA upgrades nationwide butter recall alert to a higher level
(NewsNation) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a recent nationwide recall of 64,800 pounds of butter to a higher risk level. The risk classification for one of Bunge North America Inc.'s butter products was raised to Class II, which is the second highest warning level, due to an ingredient not listed on the food packaging: milk. Milk is one of nine major food allergens, according to U.S. food safety laws, along with eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame seeds. According to the FDA, manufacturers are required to declare the name of the food source of a major food allergen. The FDA did not say whether anyone had been adversely affected in connection with the recall. In a July 14 report, the FDA said more than 1,800 cases of the NH European Style Butter Blend were distributed at 12 centers across the U.S. and one in the Dominican Republic. The lot code number for the butter is 5064036503. According to the FDA's website, a Class II recall indicates 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.' Nexstar's NewsNation has reached out to Bunge North America for comment. Bunge North America Inc., based in Chesterfield, Missouri, is an agribusiness and food ingredient company that also produces corn, wheat, rice, soybeans and feed peas, among other items.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Simple Recipe Swaps for a Healthier You
MISSION, Kan., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) If the idea of overhauling your family's menu is stopping you from making healthier choices in the kitchen, you might find relief in knowing simple swaps are all it takes. Instead of sweeping changes that require all new recipes, just changing an ingredient or two in your favorite dishes can put you on a path toward better nutrition. You can boost the nutritional value of meals and support your heart health by making smart substitutions – like using whole grains, healthy oils and lower-sodium options – to reduce saturated fat, added sugars and sodium while adding beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein and healthy fats. Another nutrition-conscious swap you can make easily is opting for fat-free or low-fat plain Greek yogurt in place of full-fat sour cream and other dairy products. A single serving typically provides 10 or more grams of protein and roughly 13% of the daily recommended value of calcium. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, a balanced diet that includes regular consumption of unsweetened, nonfat, plain yogurt for individuals with hypertension may help improve blood pressure outcomes. Start doing your heart a favor with these favorites that replace full-fat ingredients with low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt, helping you reduce calorie intake and fat content without compromising flavor. Mango and Pineapple Tropical Parfaits capture the flavors of ripe fruit, silky yogurt and crunchy granola in every spoonful of paradise while ruby-red pomegranate and coconut top off this island treasure. Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits provide a protein-packed breakfast to start busy days while Frozen Yogurt Bark – a chilled delight with less than 100 calories per serving – helps you indulge without overdoing it. A diet that involves smart swaps like these may contribute to heart health, per the American Heart Association, by providing essential nutrients and supporting healthy blood pressure levels – meaning you're just a few ingredient substitutions away from enjoying a more nutritious, yet still delicious menu. These yogurt-inspired recipes were developed as part of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, which is nationally supported by Danone. Discover more easy, flavor-packed ways to make your favorite recipes healthier for your heart at Mango and Pineapple Tropical ParfaitsRecipe courtesy of the American Heart AssociationServings: 4 (1 parfait per serving) 1 medium mango, peeled and chopped2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt1/2 cup low-fat, no-added-sugar granola1/2 cup diced pineapple1 medium banana, sliced1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or arils2 tablespoons unsweetened flaked coconut In each parfait glass, layer 1/4 mango, 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon granola, 2 tablespoons pineapple, 1/4 banana slices and 1/4 cup yogurt. Top with remaining granola. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and coconut. Serve immediately for peak flavor and texture. Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories: 6 g total fat; 82 mg sodium; 33 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 24 g total sugars; 13 g protein. Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt ParfaitsRecipe courtesy of the American Heart AssociationServings: 4 (1 parfait per serving) 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced, hulled strawberries, thawed and patted dry if frozen2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, halved blackberries or both, thawed and patted dry if frozen1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon, honey2 teaspoons ground cinnamon2 cups water1 cup uncooked rolled oats2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt In medium bowl, gently stir strawberries, blueberries, honey and cinnamon. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water and oats to boil. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In each parfait glass, layer 1/4 cup oatmeal, 1/4 cup fruit mixture, 1/4 cup yogurt and 1/4 cup fruit mixture. Repeat layers. Nutritional information per serving: 238 calories; 2 g total fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 47 mg sodium; 42 mg carbohydrates; 6 g fiber; 21 g total sugars; 16 g protein. Frozen Yogurt BarkRecipe courtesy of the American Heart AssociationServings: 8 1 1/2 cups low-fat, no-sugar-added vanilla Greek yogurt2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup2 tablespoons chopped unsalted almonds1/2 cup finely chopped mango1/2 cup blueberries1/4 cup blackberries or raspberries, chopped if large In medium bowl, whisk yogurt and honey until combined. Line 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Using spatula or knife, spread yogurt mixture over paper as thinly as possible. Sprinkle almonds over yogurt mixture. Using fingertips, gently press almonds into yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with mango, blueberries and raspberries. Using fingertips, gently press fruit into yogurt mixture. Cover dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze overnight. For serving, remove baking dish from freezer. Gently lift parchment paper from dish and transfer to cutting board. Using hands, break bark into pieces or hit lightly on surface of cutting board. Serve immediately as bark begins to melt 15 minutes after removing from freezer. Nutritional information per serving: 70 calories; 2 g total fat; 3 mg cholesterol; 15 mg sodium; 10 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 9 g total sugars; 4 g protein. Michael Frenchmfrench@ About Family Features Editorial SyndicateA leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
As wrestling fans reel from the sudden death of Hulk Hogan, a cardiologist explains how to live long and healthy − and avoid chronic disease
On July 24, 2025, the American pro wrestling celebrity Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71. Hogan had chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a history of atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart, or atria, beat irregularly and often rapidly. His cause of death has been confirmed as acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. Hogan became a household name in the 1980s and has long been known for maintaining fitness and a highly active lifestyle, despite having had 25 surgeries in 10 years, including a neck surgery in May. Hogan's death has brought renewed attention to the importance of maintaining heart health through exercise. Many people think that bodybuilders are the 'picture' of health. However, the truth is that too much muscle can increase strain on the heart and may actually be harmful. It may seem ironic, then, that people who exercise to extreme levels and appear healthy on the outside can, in fact, be quite unhealthy on the inside. As the director of sports cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, I see patients of all age groups and at varying levels of fitness who are interested in promoting health by incorporating exercise into their lifestyle, or by optimizing their current exercise program. Exercise is the foundation for good health When people think of vital signs, they usually think about things such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate and blood oxygen levels. However, the American Heart Association also includes 'fitness' as an additional vital sign that should be considered when determining a patient's overall health and risk of heart disease, cancer and death. While fitness may be determined in various ways, the best way is by checking what is known as peak oxygen uptake, or VO2 max, through a specialized evaluation called a cardiopulmonary exercise test. These can be performed at many doctors' offices and clinics, and they provide a wealth of information related to overall health, as well as heart, lung and skeletal muscle function. Exercise is one of the most effective interventions to prolong life and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases throughout life – in effect, prolonging lifespan and improving health span, meaning the number of years that people spend in good health. In fact, a large study done by the Cleveland Clinic found that a low level of fitness poses a greater risk of death over time than other traditional risk factors that people commonly think of, such as smoking, diabetes, coronary artery disease and severe kidney disease. When it comes to brain health, the American Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of routine exercise and avoiding sedentary behavior in their 2024 guidelines on primary prevention of stroke. The risk of stroke increases with the amount of sedentary time spent throughout the day and also with the amount of time spent watching television, particularly four hours or more per day. Regarding cognitive decline, the Alzheimer's Society states that regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia by almost 20%. Furthermore, the risk of Alzheimer's disease is twice as high among individuals who exercise the least, when compared to individuals who exercise the most. There is also strong evidence that regular exercise reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, especially, colon, breast and endometrial cancer. This reduction in cancer risk is achieved through several mechanisms. For one, obesity is a risk factor for up to 13 forms of cancer, and excess body weight is responsible for about 7% of all cancer deaths. Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight. Second, exercise helps to keep certain hormones – such as insulin and sex hormones – within a normal range. When these hormone levels get too high, they may increase cancer cell growth. Exercise also helps to boost the immune system by improving the body's ability to fight off pathogens and cancer cells. This in turn helps prevent cancer cell growth and also reduces chronic inflammation, which left unchecked damages tissue and increases cancer risk. Finally, exercise improves the quality of life for all people, regardless of their health or their age. In 2023, Hulk Hogan famously quipped, 'I'm 69 years old, but I feel like I'm 39.' The optimal dose of exercise Major health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and Department of Health and Human Services, all share similar recommendations when it comes to the amount of exercise people should aim for. These organizations all recommend doing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise. Moderate exercises include activities such as walking briskly (2.5 to 4 miles per hour), playing doubles tennis or raking the yard. Vigorous exercise includes activities such as jogging, running or shoveling snow. A good rule of thumb for figuring out how hard a specific exercise is is to apply the 'talk test': During moderate-intensity exercise, you can talk, but not sing, during the activity. During vigorous intensity exercise, you can say only a few words before having to stop and take a breath. There is a lot of solid data to support these recommendations. For example, in a very large analysis of about 48,000 people followed for 30 years, the risk of death from any cause was about 20% lower among those who followed the physical activity guidelines for Americans. Life can be busy, and some people may find it challenging to squeeze in at least 150 minutes of exercise throughout the course of the week. However, 'weekend warriors' – people who cram all their exercise into one to two days over the weekend – still receive the benefits of exercise. So, a busy lifestyle during the week should not prevent people from doing their best to meet the guidelines. What about the number of steps per day? In a new analysis in The Lancet, when compared with walking only 2,000 steps per day, people who walked 7,000 steps per day had a 47% lower risk of death from any cause, a 25% lower risk of developing heart disease, about a 50% lower risk of death from heart disease, a 38% lower risk of developing dementia, a 37% lower risk of dying from cancer, a 22% lower risk of depression and a 28% lower risk of falls. Historically, people have aimed for 10,000 steps per day, but this new data indicates that there are tremendous benefits gained simply from walking 7,000 steps daily. It's never too late to start One question that many patients ask me – and other doctors – is: 'Is it ever too late to start exercising?' There is great data to suggest that people can reap the benefits even if they don't begin an exercise program into their 50s. Being sedentary while aging will cause the heart and blood vessels to stiffen. When that happens, blood pressure can go up and people may be at risk of other things such as heart attacks, strokes or heart failure. However, in a study of previously sedentary adults with an average age of 53, two years of regular exercise reversed the age-related stiffening of the heart that otherwise occurs in the absence of routine exercise. And it is important to remember that you do not have to look like a body builder or fitness guru in order to reap the benefits of exercise. Almost three-quarters of the total benefit to heart, brain and metabolic health that can be gained from exercise will be achieved just by following the guidelines. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: William Cornwell, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Read more: Light exercise can yield significant cognitive benefits, new research shows Heart rate zones aren't a perfect measure of exercise intensity, but regularly getting your heart pumping is still important for fitness Tracking daily step counts can be a useful tool for weight management – an exercise scientist parses the science William Cornwell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
