What is infective endocarditis?
Endocarditis is an infection caused by bacteria from elsewhere in your body that enter the bloodstream and settle in the lining of the heart, a heart valve or a blood vessel.
Left untreated, this infection can further damage heart valves and even cause death.
Endocarditis rarely occurs in people who have healthy hearts. People at greater risk are those who have a congenital heart defect or a damaged or artificial valve.
Endocarditis is also called infective endocarditis or bacterial endocarditis.
While serious, this condition can be successfully treated with antibiotic medication. In severe cases, you may also need surgery to repair damage done to your heart.
What causes infective endocarditis?
Endocarditis is most often caused by an infection from bacteria, fungi or other germs.
These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through:
- The mouth
- Contaminated needles
- A catheter
- A sexually transmitted disease
- A cut
People who have existing damage in a heart valve or have a new heart valve from surgery are susceptible to this bacterial infection.
If you’ve had endocarditis before, you’re at a greater risk for a future infection.
Other risk factors include:
- Implanted heart device – bacteria can attach to a device such as a pacemaker.
- Poor dental health – failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to bacteria growth in your mouth, which can then enter your bloodstream.
Endocarditis symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an endocarditis infection can mimic those of a flu or virus:
- Fever above 100
- Night sweats or chills
- Sore throat or pain when swallowing
- Sinus drainage or nasal congestion
- Cough that lasts more than two days
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
What are the warning signs of endocarditis?
If you suspect you have endocarditis, call your doctor as soon as possible — especially if you have had previous heart problems. Signs the infection is worsening include:
- Skin rash
- Small areas of bleeding under the nails
- Swelling of the feet or legs
- Chills
- Fever
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Shortness of breath
How is endocarditis diagnosed?
If you have a heart defect that puts you at risk for endocarditis, always mention this to any physician who treats you. Tests physicians may use to diagnose endocarditis include:
- Blood tests – Studies to detect bacteria in the bloodstream
- Chest X-ray – A radiograph or picture of the heart and lungs including blood vessels, ribs and bones of the spine
- CT scan (computed tomography scan) – An imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional, detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) – A test to provide an image of heart structures; a small transducer (like a microphone) is passed down the esophagus to produce the image
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) – A test that records the electrical activity of the heart
Endocarditis treatment
Without treatment, endocarditis can be fatal. Quick treatment prevents damage to your heart valves or risking the condition turning into a life-threatening emergency.
Medication
You’ll be given antibiotics intravenously (IV) at the hospital. Your doctors will continue working to diagnose the specific type of bacteria you’re fighting to better customize your antibiotic medication. You might receive antibiotics for up to six weeks.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed to fix damage to your heart caused by the infection. You may have surgery to repair or replace a valve.
Surgery may also be needed if the infection breaks off into smaller pieces — resulting in strokes or blockages of other arteries.