This chapter from the quick reference guide focuses on the long-term management of RHD to prevent ARF recurrences, and prevention of the progression of RHD. Information derived from the Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (2nd edn).

This chapter from the quick reference guide focuses on secondary prevention of further episodes of ARF as a priority. Secondary prophylaxis with regular benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is the only RHD control strategy shown to be effective and cost-effective at both community and population levels. Information is derived from the Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (2nd edn).

This chapter from the quick reference guide focuses on patients with suspected ARF (first episode or recurrence). They should be hospitalised as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. This ensures that all investigations are performed, and if necessary, the patient should be observed to confirm the diagnosis before commencing treatment. This information is derived from the Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (2nd edn).

This chapter from the quick reference guide focuses on an accurate diagnosis of ARF. Overdiagnosis results in unnecessary treatment over a long time, while underdiagnosis leads to further attacks of ARF, cardiac damage and premature death. Diagnosis remains a clinical decision, as there is no specific laboratory test. Information is derived from the Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (2nd edn).

This chapter from the quick reference guide focuses on primary prevention of ARF, to limit the incidence of disease by controlling causes and risk factors. Primary prevention can either focus on an entire population or on individuals within that population who are at elevated risk (e.g. people with GAS infection). This information is derived from the Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (2nd edn).

This 1 minute rap (performed by students of the Cape Music Institute) raises awareness about the importance of penicillin in preventing sore throats which could lead to damage to the heart valves, and rheumatic heart disease. The ASAP programme, launched by the Pan-African Society of Africa in 2006, is a focused action plan using Awareness, Surveillance, Advocacy and Prevention to galvanise efforts, identify and strengthen interventions and create political will to stem the tide of RHD.

World Heart Federation criteria for echocardiographic diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease—an evidence-based guideline, by Bo Reményi, Nigel Wilson, Andrew Steer et al. Nature Reviews Cardiology 9, 297-309 (May 2012) | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2012.7.

This World Heart Federation video describes rheumatic heart disease as a chronic heart condition, caused by rheumatic fever, that needlessly kills and disables people living in extreme poverty. High prevalence of the disease has become a marker of poverty and an important factor feeding growing health inequities. Speakers include Jonathan Carapetis and other world experts in rheumatic heart disease.