A review of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous Australians has been prepared by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet as a part of their contributions to ‘closing the gap’ in health between Indigenous people and other Australians by making relevant, high quality knowledge and information easily accessible to policy makers, health service providers, program managers, clinicians, researchers and the general community.

This review focuses on the burden of ARF/RHD for Indigenous people in Australia. It addresses overall prevalence, hospitalisation and mortality, and the factors contributing to this burden. This review also provides detailed information about the disease, its historical context, diagnosis, and guidelines. The review also considers: factors contributing to ARF/RHD; prevention and rehabilitation, and policies and strategies.