Name of the Condition

• Rheumatic Aortic Stenosis
• ICD Code: I06.0

Summary

Rheumatic aortic stenosis is a heart condition that results from rheumatic fever causing damage to the aortic valve. This leads to narrowing of the valve, which impairs blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Causes

• Rheumatic fever: A complication of untreated strep throat or scarlet fever.
• Systemic inflammatory response resulting from an autoimmune reaction.

Risk Factors

• Prior infections with group A Streptococcus bacteria.
• History of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease.
• Living in areas with limited access to healthcare.

Symptoms

• Chest pain or tightness.
• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion.
• Fatigue.
• Heart palpitations.
• Lightheadedness or syncope.

Diagnosis

• Echocardiogram: To assess valve function and structure.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Chest X-ray: To evaluate the size of the heart and check for pulmonary congestion.
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: For detailed imaging.

Treatment Options

• Medications: Diuretics, beta-blockers, or anticoagulants to manage symptoms.
• Balloon valvuloplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to widen the valve.
• Surgical valve repair or replacement: For severe cases.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Variable prognosis depending on severity and treatment response.
• Regular cardiology follow-ups are essential to monitor heart function.
• Long-term outcomes improve with early detection and treatment.

Complications

• Heart failure.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Infective endocarditis.
• Stroke due to embolism.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular follow-ups for patients with a history of rheumatic fever.
• Prophylactic antibiotics to prevent further streptococcal infections.
• Healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain cardiovascular health.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate attention for sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting episodes.

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association (AHA).
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
• Local patient support groups and rheumatic heart disease associations.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify the presence of a history of rheumatic fever when coding I06.0.
• Ensure any mention of valve replacement or repair is included in the patient record for accurate documentation.
• Be aware of common coding errors, such as confusing the condition with non-rheumatic aortic stenosis.