Risk factors for heart valve disease
Risk factors for heart valve disease include:
- Rheumatic heart disease, a common risk factor for valve disease. Rheumatic heart disease develops in some people from one or more episodes of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a complication of infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (strep throat).
- A birth (congenital) defect that results in structural abnormalities of heart valves.
- Inflammation of the lining of the heart chambers, often caused by an infection (endocarditis).
- Certain characteristic body structures that may also be associated with the development of valve problems. People with certain body features (such as being very thin and having long arms, a flat rib cage, and loose joints) may be more likely to have valve disease.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: |
Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
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