Endocarditis

Endocarditis is a life-threatening condition, and it requires rapid treatment in order to avoid any damage to the heart.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inner lining that’s called the endocardium, and it covers the inside of the heart’s valves and chambers.

Endocarditis often occurs after the age of 60.

Causes and risk factors leading to endocarditis

Endocarditis usually occurs due to a bacterial infection that enters the bloodstream from somewhere in the body, like the mouth or intestines, and reaches the heart.

The risk of endocarditis increases due to the following factors:

• Having artificial valves or heart devices like pacemakers and defibrillators.
• Weakened immune system.
• Having heart conditions, such as heart valve disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Gum disease and poor dental health.
• Illegal IV drug use.
• Using a catheter for a long time.
• Diabetes.

Symptoms of endocarditis

Symptoms of endocarditis might differ among patients. They generally include:

• Extreme tiredness.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Increased heartbeat.
• Heart murmur (whooshing sound).
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Night sweats.
• Edema in the abdomen, legs, or feet.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Bloody urine.
• Skin rash.
• Small spots in the whites of the eyes or inside the mouth.

Complications of endocarditis

• Heart arrhythmia.
• Heart failure.
• Damage in the heart valves.
• Abscesses in the heart, lungs, and other organs.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Stroke.
• Kidney damage.
• Swollen spleen.
• Sepsis.
• Death.

Diagnosis of endocarditis

• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of endocarditis

• Antibiotics and other medications.
• Surgery, if needed.
• The risk of endocarditis can be reduced by taking good care of the teeth and gums and avoiding illegal drugs.