What Is Rheumatic Heart Disease?
1. What Are the Types of Rheumatic Heart Disease?
The type of disease that develops is dependent on which parts of the heart are damaged. Rheumatic heart disease most commonly affects the heart valves; however, damage can occur to other parts of the heart, including the pericardium (outer sac) and endocardium (inner lining). The heart muscle itself may also be damaged, making it difficult for it to pump blood effectively.
Valve stenosis is a narrowing of the heart valves that restricts blood flow, while valve regurgitation occurs when blood flows in the wrong direction through a valve. Both are common conditions of rheumatic heart disease. Without proper care, valve disorders can potentially lead to arterial fibrillation and heart failure.
