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Infective Endocarditis: A Serious Heart Infection

Understanding the Disease

Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart's inner lining, called the endocardium. It is usually caused by bacteria, such as streptococci or staphylococci, or by fungi. The infection can damage the heart valves and lead to other complications.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of infective endocarditis include fever, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The infection can also cause a heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope. Infective endocarditis is diagnosed based on a physical examination, blood tests, and echocardiography, an ultrasound of the heart.

Treatment Options

Treatment for infective endocarditis typically involves antibiotics, which are given intravenously over a period of several weeks. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infective endocarditis is to practice good dental hygiene and to avoid risky behaviors, such as sharing needles or using intravenous drugs. People with certain heart conditions may also need to take antibiotics before dental or surgical procedures to prevent infection.