Why is mitral valve commonly affected in rheumatic fever?

How does rheumatic fever damage the heart? This infection causes swelling and muscle damage to the heart. It can also damage the heart valves in a way that keeps the blood from moving through the heart normally. The infection can cause heart valve leaflets to stick together, which narrows the valve opening.

What valve is the most commonly affected valve in rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic heart disease most commonly affects the mitral valve (which has only two leaflets; Figure 2) or the aortic valve, but any valve can be affected, and more than one can be involved.

Which valves are commonly affected by RF?

The valves most affected by rheumatic fever, in order, are the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. In most cases, the mitral valve is involved with 1 or more of the other 3. In acute disease, small thrombi form along the lines of valve closure.

Why does rheumatic fever cause mitral stenosis?

When your mitral valve isn’t functioning correctly, blood and pressure build up, the left atrium enlarges, and fluid enters the lungs. The most common cause of mitral valve stenosis is rheumatic fever — a complication of strep throat. This infection can scar the mitral valve, causing it to narrow.

Does rheumatic heart disease cause mitral regurgitation?

Rheumatic heart disease chronically manifests as congestive heart failure from valvular involvement. Most commonly the mitral valve is affected, resulting in mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation.

Can rheumatic heart disease cause mitral valve prolapse?

However, more recent surgical pathologic data also have demonstrated a high incidence of mitral valve prolapse in cases of rheumatic heart disease, which suggests that rheumatic fever may be a cause of mitral valve prolapse.

Is mitral valve prolapse a heart disease?

Although mitral valve prolapse is usually a lifelong disorder, many people with this condition never have symptoms. When diagnosed, people may be surprised to learn that they have a heart condition.

What is mitral valve disease?

Mitral valve disease is a problem with the valve located between the left heart chambers (left atrium and left ventricle). Mitral valve disease includes: Mitral valve regurgitation. The mitral valve flaps (leaflets) may not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward. Mitral valve stenosis.

What does mitral valve stenosis cause?

Untreated, mitral valve stenosis can lead to complications such as: High blood pressure in the lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension). Increased pressure in the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs (pulmonary arteries) causes your heart to work harder. Heart failure.

Does mitral valve stenosis cause right ventricular hypertrophy?

Long-standing, severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, whether precapillary (idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension or pulmonary valve stenosis) or postcapillary (mitral stenosis, cardiomyopathy), produces right ventricular hypertrophy and a sustained lower left parasternal lift.

What does the mitral valve do in the heart?

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.

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