What is a common consequence of rheumatic fever affecting the heart?

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can arise from untreated strep throat or scarlet fever. One of the significant consequences of rheumatic fever affecting the heart is the scarring of the heart valves. This occurs due to the body's immune response to the initial streptococcal infection, which can mistakenly target the heart tissues, particularly the valves.

The inflammation caused by rheumatic fever can lead to permanent damage, resulting in valvular heart disease. This scarring can affect the valve's ability to open and close properly, leading to complications such as regurgitation (where blood leaks backward) or stenosis (narrowing of the valve opening). Long-term, these changes can have serious implications for heart function and overall cardiovascular health, potentially resulting in heart failure or the need for surgical interventions.

In contrast, while edema and fluid retention may occur in various heart conditions, they are more symptomatic rather than direct consequences of rheumatic fever itself. Increased blood pressure can happen in response to heart issues but is not a hallmark consequence of rheumatic fever. The scarring of heart valves stands out as a direct and significant outcome of the disease process initiated by rheumatic fever.