Rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a serious and potentially life threatening condition where the valves of the heart become damaged. This damage can occur following one or more episodes of rheumatic fever. This refers to an autoimmune response to group A Streptococcus (group A strep) bacteria. Group A strep can cause infections such as strep throat or scarlet fever. These infections can trigger inflammation in the body, including the heart and its valves. Without treatment, it can permanently damage the heart valves. Researchers estimate that more than Read on to learn more about rheumatic heart disease, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Share on Pinterest angelhell/Getty Images Rheumatic heart disease is a condition that The heart valves are important to ensure blood flows through the heart as it should. They also prevent the backflow of blood. Therefore, damage to the heart valves can cause serious health conditions. Rheumatic heart disease can begin as a throat infection by Streptococcus pyogenes — a type of group A Strep bacteria. Infections with group A strep can pass easily between people in the same way as other upper respiratory tract infections. For example, they can spread through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. If a person has an infection with group A strep bacteria, they are at risk of developing rheumatic fever, which can progress to rheumatic heart disease. People are more at risk of these infections in large crowded places, such ...

Rheumatic Heart Disease What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is a condition where the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. An immune response causes an inflammatory condition in the body. This can result in ongoing valve damage. What causes rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever. This is an inflammatory disease that can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart, joints, skin, or brain. The heart valves can be inflamed and become scarred over time. This can result in narrowing or leaking of the heart valve. This makes it harder for the heart to work normally. This may take years to develop and can lead to heart failure. Rheumatic fever can occur at any age. But it often occurs in children ages 5 to 15. It’s rare in developed countries like the U.S. Who is at risk for rheumatic heart disease? Untreated or under-treated strep infections can increase the risk for rheumatic heart disease. Children who get repeated strep throat infections are at the most risk for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease? A recent history of strep infection or rheumatic fever is key to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. Symptoms of rheumatic fever vary. They typically start 1 to 6 weeks after a bout of st...

Overview Mitral valve regurgitation is a type of heart valve disease in which the valve between the left heart chambers doesn't close completely, allowing blood to leak backward across the valve. It is the most common type of heart valve disease (valvular heart disease). If the leakage is severe, not enough blood will move through the heart or to the rest of the body. As a result, mitral valve regurgitation can make you feel very tired (fatigued) or short of breath. Other names for mitral valve regurgitation are: • Mitral regurgitation (MR) • Mitral insufficiency • Mitral incompetence Treatment of mitral valve regurgitation may include regular monitoring, medications or surgery. Some people with mitral regurgitation don't need treatment, especially when the regurgitation is mild. Severe mitral valve regurgitation often requires a catheter procedure or heart surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve. Without proper treatment, severe mitral valve regurgitation can cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) or heart failure. The mitral valve is located between the upper left heart chamber (left atrium) and the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle). A healthy mitral valve keeps your blood moving in the right direction. A leaky valve doesn't close the way it should, allowing some blood to flow backward into the left atrium. If left untreated, a leaky valve could lead to heart failure. Symptoms Mitral valve regurgitation is often mild and progresses slowly. Some people wi...