What should you know about Infective Endocarditis

What should you know about Infective Endocarditis

The lining of your heart's chambers and valves becomes inflamed by endocarditis, which most frequently results from a bacterial infection. The treatment involves several weeks of antibiotics or other medications, as well as surgery occasionally. Many patients survive with prompt, vigorous care. Endocarditis can be lethal if untreated.

Infective endocarditis: What is it?

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and lodge in the heart lining, a heart valve, or a blood artery can infect the heart muscle and produce infectious endocarditis, also known as bacterial endocarditis. Although IE is not prevalent, various cardiac diseases increase a person's likelihood of having it.

The term "infective endocarditis" describes an infection that affects the heart's lining as well as its valves. The heart's muscles are frequently impacted by it.

Infective endocarditis, or IE, comes in two variants:

• Acute IE — develops abruptly and might become life-threatening in a few of days
• Subacute or chronic IE - (also known as subacute bacterial endocarditis) its development takes weeks to months.

How can an individual become infected with endocarditis?

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream may cause the illness. Poor dental hygiene, tooth brushing that injures the gums or mouth lining somewhat, dental surgeries, implanted cardiovascular medical devices, chronic skin conditions and infections, burns, infectious illnesses, and more are only a few of the many causes of infection. These microorganisms can attach to cardiac valves and infect the endocardium.

Why do the heart valves need to be protected from endocarditis?

There is no direct blood supply to the heart valves. As a result, the body's immune system, which includes white blood cells that fight infections, cannot get to the valves through the circulation. It is challenging to combat the infection, whether through the body's own immune system or through treatments that depend on the circulatory system for delivery, if bacteria start to develop on the valves (this happens most frequently in persons with already ill heart valves).

What signs might indicate endocarditis?

Endocarditis infection symptoms include:

• a fever of more than 100°F (38.4°C).
• chills or sweats, especially at night.
• a skin rash
• ache, discomfort, redness, or swelling.
• cuts or wounds that are not healing.
• warm, red, or dripping sores.
• a scratchy or sore throat, or discomfort when swallowing.
• nasal congestion, sinus discharge, headaches, or soreness along your high cheekbones.
• a prolonged dry cough or a wet cough that lasts longer than two days.
• white spots on your tongue or in your mouth.
• diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.
• hemorrhages (internal bleeding), stroke, or emboli (small blood clots).
• respiration difficulty.
• loss of weight or a poor appetite.
• joint and muscle pain.

When to seek treatment

Visit your doctor as soon as you can if you exhibit signs of endocarditis, especially if you have a congenital heart defect or a history of endocarditis. Similar signs and symptoms may be brought on by less serious illnesses. The diagnosis can only be made after a qualified examination by a healthcare professional.

Inform your healthcare physician if you have any of the following symptoms after receiving an endocarditis diagnosis. The signs of a worsening infection include these:   

• Chills
• Fever
• Headaches
• Joint discomfort 
• Breathlessness

A word from the team —

The majority of patients with endocarditis recover with vigorous therapy. If you suspect you may have endocarditis, be aware of the signs and symptoms and call your doctor straight once. Your risk of endocarditis can be decreased by taking appropriate care of your teeth and mouth. That entails both everyday maintenance and routine visits to your dentist.

We are here to inform you that all of this is possible.

If you need further help regarding your health and wellness, contact Corrielus Cardiology today!