Final answer:
The major criteria for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease (Jones Criteria) are carditis, arthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules. These criteria assess the presence of rheumatic fever, which can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Criteria for Rheumatic Heart Disease (Jones Criteria)
The major criteria for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease, also known as the Jones Criteria, include the following signs and symptoms which suggest the presence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a potentially severe illness that may follow an infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes:
Carditis: Inflammation of the heart tissues, particularly the heart valves.
Arthritis: Joint inflammation typically involving multiple large joints, presenting as swelling, redness, and pain.
Chorea: Uncontrolled, rapid movements of the face and arms and legs, which indicate neurological involvement.
Erythema marginatum: A distinctive skin rash with well-defined edges.
Subcutaneous nodules: Painless, firm collections of tissue under the skin, often over bony prominences.
It is crucial to note that the damage to the heart valves from rheumatic fever can lead to scarring and stiffness, which may result in heart murmurs and long-term valvular disorders. This stipulates the significance of the Jones Criteria in the prompt diagnosis and management of rheumatic heart disease. As such, a confirmed history of S. pyogenes infection alongside the presence of these major criteria often supports the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease.