Guidelines for the secondary prevention of rheumatic heart disease: Endorsed by Saudi Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (SPIDS).

Rheumatic fever is a rare yet serious condition develop as a consequence of throat infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It is the leading cause for rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease is a worldwide public health concern. It is a chronic condition that results in carditis, irreversible valve damage and heart failure in children and young adults living in low-income countries. The age of onset peaks between 5 and 15 years. Approximately, 3% of patients with untreated acute streptococcal sore throats develop rheumatic fever.