Endocarditis

What is Endocarditis?

What is endocarditis? Endocarditis is sometimes called infective endocarditis. It's a rare but life-threatening inflammation of the lining inside your heart's chambers and valves (the endocardium). Endocarditis is usually caused by germs that get into your bloodstream and travel to your heart. Once they get inside your heart, the germs can attach to the lining or get trapped in the valves. They start to grow, causing an infection. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause damage to the heart and lead to serious health problems. What causes endocarditis? Bacterial infections cause most endocarditis. Normally, many bacteria live in your mouth, on your skin, or in other parts of the body. Sometimes the bacteria can get into your bloodstream from injuries such cuts or scrapes. Dental work and certain surgeries can also allow small amounts of bacteria to enter your bloodstream. In some cases, fungal infections cause endocarditis. The fungi, such as yeast, can live in parts of your body. Fungal infections generally happen in people who have weakened immune systems that can't stop the fungus from growing. This includes people who have HIV. Who is more likely to develop endocarditis? In general, endocarditis is rare. If you're healthy, your immune system usually destroys the germs in your bloodstream before they can cause harm. But your chance of developing endocarditis may be higher than most people if you: Have certain heart conditions. Damaged or abnormal heart tissue and devices in your heart can trap germs more easily than healthy heart tissue. That means your risk of endocarditis is higher if you have: Heart valve disease. Certain congenital heart defects. A pacemaker or an implantable defibrillator. A heart valve replacement. Are older. Age-related changes to the heart valves, such as mitral valve prolapse or calcium deposits in the aortic valve, create places for germs to attach to the heart. Inject illegal drugs. Unclean needles may carry bacteria into the bloodstream. Have a condition that weakens your immune system. Don't take care of your teeth and gums. Poor dental health makes it easier for germs to get into your bloodstream through your gums and mouth. Have a long-term central venous line, a tube that stays in a large vein for weeks or months for medical treatment. Have already had endocarditis. Endocarditis can damage heart tissue, which increases your risk of getting it again. What are the symptoms of endocarditis? Endocarditis symptoms may be severe or very mild. They may start suddenly or slowly. And they can vary from person to person. The possible symptoms of endocarditis include: Fever and chills New or worsening heart murmur (an unusual sound heard between heartbeats) Chest pain Cough Muscle, joint, and back pain Night sweats (heavy sweating during sleep) Shortness of breath (feeling like you can't get enough air) Skin changes, including: Broken blood vessels Painful red or purple bumps Painless flat red spots on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet What other problems can endocarditis cause? When the germs are in your heart, they can clump together with blood cells. These clumps can break off and travel through your bloodstream. They may block blood flow, spread infection, or damage your organs, including your brain, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. Endocarditis may sometimes lead to sepsis, a medical emergency that happens when your body has an extreme response to the infection. Endocarditis can also cause serious heart problems including: Heart valve damage Heart failure Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat) How is endocarditis diagnosed? To find out if you have endocarditis, your health care provider will: Ask about your medical history, including your symptoms, recent illnesses, and other health conditions that affect your chance of developing endocarditis. Do a physical exam. Likely order tests, such as: Blood tests to check for signs of infection, bacteria, or fungi in