What condition is characterized as a disease of the heart primarily affecting the heart valves due to rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition that develops as a consequence of rheumatic fever, primarily affecting the heart valves. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur after a streptococcal throat infection, and it can lead to damage of the heart's mitral and aortic valves. This damage is often a result of the body's immune response to the streptococcus bacteria, which mistakenly attacks heart tissue, particularly the valves that regulate blood flow within the heart.

The impact of rheumatic heart disease can vary in severity, leading to complications such as stenosis (narrowing of the valves) or regurgitation (leakage of the valves), both of which can result in significant heart dysfunction. It is crucial to recognize and manage this condition early to prevent long-term damage and complications.

In contrast, coronary artery disease pertains to the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats that can disrupt normal heart function but is not specifically linked to rheumatic fever. Heart failure, while it can be a consequence of various heart conditions, including rheumatic heart disease, is a broader term that describes the heart's inability to pump effectively