Working with your healthcare team to understand your options is important. We'll help you figure out the basics. When patients have the tools and resources they need to manage their condition, outcomes can be better. What is infective endocarditis? There are two forms of infective endocarditis, also known as IE: Acute IE — develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days Subacute or chronic IE or subacute bacterial endocarditis — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months.
How do people contract infective endocarditis? Why does endocarditis pose a threat to the heart valves? Who's at risk for infective endocarditis? Illicit drug use and IE If the cause of IE is injection of illicit drugs or prolonged use of IV drugs, the tricuspid valve is most often affected. What are the symptoms of infective endocarditis?
Last Reviewed: May 8, I need to understand the signs and symptoms of heart valve problems. Preparing for dental work If you are in one of the groups that are at risk of developing infective endocarditis, you need to prepare for dental work. It provides a list of heart conditions in which antibiotics are recommended before certain dental procedures.
Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream and reach the heart. There are many ways that can happen:. Usually, when bacteria or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream, they are killed before they can do serious damage. When the heart is already damaged because of disease for example congenital heart disease or valve disease or surgery such as implantation of an artificial heart valve or a pacemaker , the tissue becomes rough and bacteria can attach more easily to heart valves or the heart lining.
This can have serious consequences. Common symptoms are:. Your doctor will diagnose endocarditis by doing a physical exam and assessing your:. Endocarditis is treated with long-term courses of intravenous antibiotics or antifungals. Each course can last as long as six weeks. If you are taking medication, check with your doctor and dentist before you have dental work.
Here are some tips for managing your medications. In some cases, surgery to remove infected or damaged heart tissue is needed. In severe cases of endocarditis, you might need to have a heart valve replacement if your heart is not pumping effectively or if the infection is not responding to the antibiotics.
If you have endocarditis or any type of congenital heart disease, talk to your doctor and dentist about your risks and whether you need preventive antibiotics. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Endocarditis Open pop-up dialog box Close.
Endocarditis Endocarditis occurs when bacteria or other germs enter your bloodstream, travel to your heart, and lodge on abnormal heart valves or damaged heart tissue. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Chambers and valves of the heart Open pop-up dialog box Close. Chambers and valves of the heart A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Heart inflammation. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Oct. Jameson JL, et al. Infective endocarditis. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. People who inject illegal drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine crystal meth have an increased risk of developing endocarditis.
This is because unsterilised needles allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and repeated injections make the skin more vulnerable to infection. Endocarditis caused by a fungal infection is rarer than bacterial endocarditis, and usually more serious. Page last reviewed: 27 February Next review due: 27 February Your heart is usually well protected against infection so bacteria can pass harmlessly by. How bacteria reach the heart There are several ways that bacteria can enter your blood.
Mouth Everyday activities, such as brushing your teeth or chewing your food, can sometimes allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Infection Bacteria can spread from the site of a pre-existing infection, such as a skin infection or a gum infection. Needles and tubes Any medical procedure that involves placing a medical instrument inside the body carries a small associated risk of introducing bacteria into your bloodstream.
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