What chronic condition can result from rheumatic fever affecting the heart valves?

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infection. One of the most significant long-term effects of rheumatic fever is damage to the heart, specifically the heart valves, leading to rheumatic heart disease. This condition typically results in mitral and aortic stenosis, which is characterized by the narrowing of the mitral and aortic valves.

Mitral stenosis occurs when the valve does not fully open, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, while aortic stenosis involves the narrowing of the aortic valve, which impairs the outflow of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. These conditions can develop due to scarring and deformity of the valve leaflets, often as a result of the inflammatory process initiated by rheumatic fever. Over time, these changes can lead to significant cardiovascular complications, including heart failure.

Understanding the nature of rheumatic heart disease highlights the importance of prompt identification and treatment of streptococcal infections, as early intervention can prevent the progression to rheumatic fever and its associated chronic heart conditions.