Which valve is most commonly affected in patients with rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic heart disease is a serious condition that can develop as a complication of rheumatic fever, which is often triggered by untreated streptococcal throat infections. The condition primarily affects the mitral valve due to the immunological response that occurs when the body attempts to fight off the streptococcus bacteria.

In rheumatic heart disease, the inflammation caused by the immune response leads to scarring and deformity of the mitral valve, resulting in issues such as mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation. The mitral valve's anatomical location and its higher incidence of direct involvement during the inflammatory process make it more susceptible to damage compared to other heart valves.

Although other valves can also be affected, such as the aortic valve, the prominence of mitral valve involvement is a critical distinguishing feature of rheumatic heart disease. Understanding the role of the mitral valve in this context is essential for monitoring and managing patients with a history of rheumatic fever, as it poses significant long-term implications for cardiac function and patient health.