Association between Helicobacter pylori and Rheumatic Heart Disease

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an inflammation in=of the heart valves that lead to rheumatic fever. This event can occur immediately after a streptococcal infection, such as a sore throat or scarlet fever. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is caused by autoimmune response to streptococcal pharyngitis group derived from genetically sensitive individuals. The immune response caused an inflammatory disease in the body that can lead to persistent valve damage. About 60% of rheumatic fever (RF) patients in endemic countries developed chronic RHD which is a complication of RF. RHD is a chronic disease characterized by complications such as arrhythmias and heart failure. This review identified the role of H. pylori in the development of rheumatic heart disease. ARF and RHD most often affect children and young adults. H. pylori infection has been proposed to be involved RHD greater than that of the normal health people. H. pylori can be considered as one of the probable risk factor for RHD through immune response mediators.  It was concluded that patients with H. pylori should be advised to follow up in cardiology clinics to avoid any complications.