Emphasis on understanding growth, structure, and function of the heart.
Knowledge of the right and left side of the heart is essential, especially regarding the four cardiac valves.
Conditions can lead to two main types of valve dysfunction:
Stenosis:
Definition: A valve cannot open properly.
Effects: Limits blood flow; can lead to increased pressure in the heart chambers and associated organ dysfunction.
Regurgitation:
Definition: A valve cannot close properly.
Effects: Abnormal backflow of blood; can lead to volume overload in the heart chambers and decreased efficiency of the heart.
Rheumatic heart disease serves as a representative condition for studying stenosis and regurgitation.
Triggered by:
Group A Streptococcal Infection:
Typically presented as a common bacterial throat infection.
Importance of early treatment to prevent complications.
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF):
Initiated by an autoimmune response to the initial streptococcal infection.
Can lead to:
Carditis: Inflammation of the heart, which can damage heart valves.
Damage to valves can progress to:
Stenosis: Impaired blood flow due to narrowed valve.
Regurgitation: Backward flow of blood due to incomplete valve closure.
Understanding the terms:
Stenosis: Effects on the body include increased workload on the heart.
Regurgitation: Can result in heart failure over time if untreated.
Incompetent Valve: Refers to valves that fail to close properly, leading to similar consequences as regurgitation.
Specific risk factors and prevalence related to rheumatic fever in the New Zealand context should be addressed.