Final answer:
The most common preventable cause of valvular heart disease is beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, which can lead to rheumatic fever if not treated early. Risk factors for valvular disease can be managed with medications and healthy lifestyle changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common preventable cause of valvular heart disease is beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, which can trigger rheumatic fever or scarlet fever. This is an autoimmune response to the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes and is usually associated with diseases of childhood. Rheumatic fever can lead to inflammation of the heart, known as carditis, potentially causing long-term damage to the heart valves. It is preventable through early treatment of strep throat and other streptococcal infections.
Prevention of valvular heart disease involves controlling risk factors like hypertension, high blood lipids, obesity, and physical inactivity. Medications and healthy behaviors can help manage these factors, thereby reducing the risk. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help prevent the development of serious valvular conditions.