Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or an infection of the inner layer of the heart (endocardium). Endocarditis can cause growths on the heart valves or inside the heart. Over time, these growths can destroy heart tissue and cause heart failure or problems with the heart rhythm. They can also cause a stroke if they break away and block an artery in the brain. Early treatment offers the best chance for curing endocarditis and preventing complications.
What are the causes?
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Germs that normally live in or on your body. The germs that most commonly cause endocarditis are bacteria.
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Fungus.
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Cancer.
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Connective tissue disease.
What increases the risk?
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A heart defect.
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Artificial (prosthetic) heart valves.
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An abnormal or damaged heart valve.
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A history of endocarditis.
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IV drug abuse.
Having certain procedures may also increase the risk of germs getting into the heart or bloodstream.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Fever.
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Chills.
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Night sweats.
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Muscle aches.
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Fatigue.
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Weakness.
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Shortness of breath.
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Chest pain.
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Blood spots in the eyes.
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Bleeding under the fingernails or toenails.
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Painless red spots on the palms.
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Painful lumps in the fingertips or toes.
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Swelling in the feet or ankles.
How is this diagnosed?
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A physical exam. Your health care provider will listen to your heart to check for abnormal heart sounds (murmur). He or she may also use a scope to check for bleeding at the back of your eyes (retinas).
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Tests. They may include:
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Blood tests to look for the germs that cause endocarditis.
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Imaging tests. These include a chest X-ray, CT scan, or echocardiogram. A type of echocardiogram called a transesophageal echocardiogram may be done to look at heart valves more closely.
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How is this treated?
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Antibiotic medicines. These may be given through an IV line or taken by mouth. You may need to be on more than one antibiotic medicine.
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Surgery to replace your heart valve. You may need surgery if:
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The endocarditis does not respond to treatment.
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You develop complications.
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Your heart valve is severely damaged.
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Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better. You may need to be on intravenous or oral antibiotics for several weeks.
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Do not use IV drugs unless it is part of your medical treatment.
Lifestyle
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Do not get tattoos or body piercings.
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Practice good oral hygiene. This includes:
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Brushing and flossing regularly.
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Scheduling routine dental appointments.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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If you drink alcohol:
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Limit how much you use to:
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0–1 drink a day for women.
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0–2 drinks a day for men.
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Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one typical bottle of beer (12 oz), one-half glass of wine (5 oz), or one shot of hard liquor (1½ oz).
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General instructions
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Let your health care provider know before you have any dental or surgical procedures. You may need to take antibiotics before the procedure.
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Tell all of your health care providers, including your dentist, that you have had endocarditis.
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Gradually resume your usual activities.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have a fever.
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Your symptoms do not improve.
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Your symptoms get worse.
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Your symptoms come back.
Get help right away if:
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You have trouble breathing.
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You have chest pain.
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You have any symptoms of a stroke. “BE FAST” is an easy way to remember the main warning signs of a stroke:
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B – Balance. Signs are dizziness, sudden trouble walking, or loss of balance.
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E – Eyes. Signs are trouble seeing or a sudden change in vision.
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F – Face. Signs are sudden weakness or numbness of the face, or the face or eyelid drooping on one side.
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A – Arms. Signs are weakness or numbness in an arm. This happens suddenly and usually on one side of the body.
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S – Speech. Signs are sudden trouble speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding what people say.
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T – Time. Time to call emergency services. Write down what time symptoms started.
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You have other signs of a stroke, such as:
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A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Seizure.
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These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or inner layer of the heart (endocardium). It is caused by bacteria or a fungus.
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Having certain heart conditions or procedures may increase the risk of endocarditis.
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Antibiotics are an important treatment for endocarditis. Take these medicines as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking them even if you start to feel better.
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Tell all of your health care providers, including your dentist, that you have had endocarditis.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
