What is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's valves and inner lining of the heart chambers. It occurs when germs get into the bloodstream and settle inside the heart, often on a valve. The infection is usually caused by bacteria. In rare cases, it is caused by fungi.

This infection can damage your heart. It needs to be treated right away. If it isn't treated, endocarditis can be deadly.

Symptoms may appear quickly, within a few days of infection. In other cases, they may develop more slowly. The symptoms will get worse as the bacteria or fungi grow in your heart.

Symptoms may include:

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, and fatigue. These are often the first symptoms.
• Weight loss.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Blood under the fingernails or tiny purple and red spots under the skin.

See your doctor if you have symptoms like these that don't go away, especially if you are at risk for endocarditis.

If endocarditis isn't treated soon, it can lead to more serious problems, such as:

• Heart failure.
• An abscess in the heart.
• Heart rhythm problems.
• Heart attack or stroke.
• Infections in other organs, such as the lungs, brain, or kidneys.

First, your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. The doctor will also do a physical exam to check for signs of the infection. These signs include a heart murmur, an enlarged spleen, and bleeding under the nails.

Your doctor may also do tests, such as:

• Blood cultures. These tests look for bacteria in your bloodstream.
• Echocardiogram. This is done to check your heart for problems such as infected areas or heart valve defects.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This test checks for heart rhythm problems.
• A chest X-ray. This is to see if your heart is enlarged or if you have signs of heart failure.
• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test or a CT scan. These may be done as additional tests to check your heart for problems.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics or antifungal medicine given through a small tube placed in a vein (I.V.). You may need several weeks of treatment. You might also take antibiotic pills.
• Surgery to repair or replace heart valves.

You may have follow-up visits for months or years to check the health of your heart.

Take all medicines as instructed. If antibiotics were prescribed, take them until they are gone. Tell your doctor and dentist that you've had endocarditis. You may need to take antibiotics before certain procedures. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily.