I need info for a project, any good links, or info?
2006-08-22 10:46:47 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Bacteria - like Streptococcus - can attach and grow on heart valves. They call this growth "vegetation". These bacteria produce toxins that can cause damage to the heart valve. When Streptococcus causes this particular problem it is called Rheumatic Heart Disease. Damaged heart valves may be detected by the doctor as a heart murmur. When the valves do not open or close correctly, the person does not get the full benefit of circulation-oxygenation with each beat. The heart is not as efficient - and must pump more to make up the difference. Sometimes the heart enlarges because of the extra work.
Bacteria can also cause endocarditis.
2006-08-25 20:18:11 · answer #1 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_disease
2006-08-22 17:49:03 · answer #2 · answered by Corn_Flake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋