Endocarditis is an inflammatory condition affecting the heart. Usually caused by a bacterial infection that enters the bloodstream, endocarditis causes damage to the heart’s lining, chambers or valves. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can be a life-threatening condition.
Treatment usually involves a lengthy round of antibiotics; sometimes, surgery is needed. If endocarditis is not treated, it can become advanced and spread to other parts of the body. Potential complications of endocarditis include:
Endocarditis can be infective or noninfective. The noninfective variety is rare, and it is often asymptomatic and associated with blood-clot disorders.
Infective endocarditis, also called bacterial endocarditis, is the more common, life-threatening type. Two sub-types of infective endocarditis are acute and subacute.
This infection develops quickly, often with a high fever and severe symptoms. Without treatment, acute infective endocarditis can be deadly.
This infection develops slowly, usually with milder symptoms. Patients are often unaware they have the condition.
Most cases of endocarditis are caused by an infection that enters the body and travels through the bloodstream to the heart. Bacteria or a fungus can enter the body through the skin or mouth.
Healthy people are usually able to fight off infections that lead to endocarditis. However, weakened immune systems can leave the body vulnerable and susceptible to heart infection and damage. If endocarditis-causing bacteria or fungus travel through the bloodstream to heart tissue that is already damaged, it can result in severe symptoms and risk of death.
Symptoms vary based on whether endocarditis is infective or noninfective; acute or subacute. The severity of symptoms depends on the specific germs that are causing the disease.
Patients with endocarditis may experience any of the following:
Certain conditions can increase the risk of developing endocarditis:
Sometimes endocarditis begins with an infection after a dental procedure. These procedures can allow bacteria to enter the body through the mouth. Patients who have risk factors for endocarditis are more likely to develop the illness after a dental procedure. Dental patients with an increased risk of endocarditis should speak with their dentist about taking preventive antibiotics before any procedures.
To prevent endocarditis from becoming life threating, diagnosis and treatment are needed quickly. If a health care provider suspects endocarditis, they may recommend the following:
When it is diagnosed quickly, endocarditis is often successfully treated. Endocarditis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics; endocarditis caused by a fungus is treated with antifungal medication. The appropriate medication will be administered intravenously for several weeks to completely eliminate the infection. Blood and other lab testing can identify the specific type of bacteria or fungus causing the infection and physicians may alter or adapt the treatment accordingly.
If endocarditis has progressed to the point of causing damage to the heart, surgery may be needed. Some patients with endocarditis-related heart valve damage may require a valve repair or replacement procedure.
Memorial Hermann’s affiliated heart and vascular team has experience diagnosing and treating all forms of endocarditis. We are committed to protecting your heart health. Identifying life-threatening cardiac conditions sooner allows us to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you. With a network of locations throughout Greater Houston, Memorial Hermann offers the care you need, where you need it.
If you’d like a referral to a heart and vascular specialist or want more information about our services, please fill out the form below. For other inquiries, such as obtaining medical records, imaging reports or test results, please call (713) 222-CARE (2273).