Rheumatic valve insufficiency (i. valvae rheumatica) is a pathological condition of the heart valves, characterized by their inability to close completely during the cardiac cycle. This causes blood to flow back through the valve and reduce the efficiency of the heart.
Rheumatic heart disease is the main cause of valve insufficiency. It occurs after a streptococcal infection (for example, tonsillitis or scarlet fever) in people with a genetic predisposition. The inflammatory process affects the heart valves, which leads to deformation and thickening of the valve leaflets.
The mitral valve is most often affected by rheumatic damage. Less commonly, the aortic or tricuspid valve is affected.
The main symptoms of valve insufficiency: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, tachycardia. On auscultation of the heart, a characteristic systolic murmur is heard.
Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical picture and instrumental methods - ECG, echocardiography, cardiac radiography.
Treatment of valve insufficiency includes drug therapy to reduce the load on the heart and surgical correction - valve surgery or valve replacement. The prognosis depends on the timeliness of treatment. If left untreated, heart failure may progress.
Rheumatic valve insufficiency is a condition when a valve in the heart does not close completely and blood flow at one stage of the circulatory process is impeded by protrusion of any part of the valve or prolapse of the valve to the height of the septum. Thus, the amount of blood that passes through the valve is reduced, leading to disruption of the heart and possible heart failure. This can be caused by several reasons: rheumatism, valve injuries, infectious diseases and other pathological changes.
Symptoms of Rheumatic valve insufficiency can be different and depend on the stage of the process and the degree of impairment of valve function. In some cases, symptoms may be minimal and only detected after additional studies and tests are performed. In other cases, the disease can be chronic and cause chronic heart failure, arrhythmias, and other heart problems.
Currently, there are several methods of treating rheumatic valve insufficiency. One of them is surgery, which involves prosthetic or replacement of the valve using a special synthetic or metal structure that ensures the valve closes. However, the need for surgical treatment is determined by a qualified specialist after examining the patient to ensure the need for surgery and minimize the risk of complications. In addition, drug treatment may include drugs that can relieve symptoms and improve heart function, and help prevent complications.
It is important to remember that Rheumatic valve insufficiency has various manifestations, and each case requires an individual approach and research. If you suspect this pathology, you should seek medical help to identify the factors that support your health. And if necessary, you can be offered research and treatment methods