Damage of the heart valves as a result of rheumatic fever. The heart’s valves are unable to open and close as they should.
Damage to the heart muscle and heart valves caused by recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever. It is characterized by stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking) of valves, changes in the size of the heart chambers, often with abnormal heart rhythm. Treatment depends on the nature and extent of heart damage and valve damage; it may include digitalis, diuretics, surgery to correct valve abnormalities, prevention of repeat attacks of rheumatic fever by prophylactic use of antibiotics, and other measures.
A medical condition brought about by an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, which can lead to enduring harm to the heart.