Infective endocarditis is an infection affecting certain parts of the endocardium. The endocardium is the tissue lining the interior of the heart chambers. The infection typically involves one or more of the heart valves. Remember that this is a serious form of infection that can be deadly.
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Who are at risk for infective endocarditis?
- Individuals with heart valve issues or an artificial heart valve. Damaged or abnormal heart valves are likely to be infected.
- Certain congenital heart defects
- History of heart valve surgery
- Diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Previous episode of infective endocarditis
- Using prohibited drugs such as heroin with contaminated needles
- Weakened immune system
What are the indications?
Slow developing infection
In most instances, the infection develops slowly. The symptoms develop steadily over weeks or months and are initially vague.
- Generally unwell
- Generalized aches and pains along with tiredness
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Heart murmurs are likely to develop that can be heard by the doctor while listening to the heart using a stethoscope.
These murmurs are caused by an erratic blood flow via impaired valves. If the individual already has a heart murmur from present valve issues, it can change or become intense. A new or changing murmur is often an indication of a possible infective endocarditis.
Rapidly developing infection
In some instances, the symptoms rapidly develop and can cause the individual to feel sick over a few days. The span in which the illness develops might depend on the responsible bacterium. Remember that some bacteria are more aggressive than the other strains.
Management
Medications
Once the condition is suspected, the individual is given a regular dosage of antibiotics administered intravenously. Sometimes, the type of antibiotic is changed when the results of the blood samples are available and the ideal antibiotic is used.
The course of treatment is usually 2-4 weeks but can be longer. The length depends on the bacterium responsible for the infection and if there are any complications.
Is surgery required?
Antibiotics are usually enough in managing infective endocarditis. Nevertheless, surgery might be required if the infection is severe.