Endocarditis
What Is It?
Endocarditis is an
infection that occurs when bacteria enter the
bloodstream and attach to the inner layer of the
heart around the valves. This bacteria can enter
the bloodstream during dental procedures,
diagnostic procedures, minor or major surgery, or
IV drug abuse.
Anyone
with a defective heart valve or who has had a
defective valve replaced with an artificial one is
at high risk for developing endocarditis.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms may include
fever, chills, loss of appetite, back pain,
flu-like symptoms, or a new or changed heart
murmur.
How Is Endocarditis Diagnosed and Treated?
Your physician may
order an echocardiogram
to look at your heart valves, and several blood
tests to determine the cause of the infection.
If
you have developed endocarditis, your physician
may want to admit you to the hospital to receive
antibiotics. Antibiotics help your body fight off
the bacteria that is causing the endocarditis. If
your heart valves are severely affected, surgery
may become necessary.
How Can You Lessen Your Chances of
Developing Endocarditis?
It is very important
for you to notify your physician at the first sign
of an infection (fever, sore throat, body aches).
You should also notify your dentist so that
antibiotics can be prescribed each time you have a
dental procedure.
You
should carry a wallet reminder card alerting
anyone caring for you in an emergency that you are
at risk for developing endocarditis.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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