Term Name:	rheumatic heart disease
Synonyms:	rheumatic carditis
Definition:	A heart valve disease that is characterized by repeated inflammation with fibrinous repair caused by an autoimmune reaction to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) that results in valvular damage. The cardinal anatomic changes of the valve include leaflet thickening, commissural fusion, and shortening and thickening of the tendinous cords.
Ontology:	Human Disease [DOID:0050827]   ( DOID:0050827 )