Endocarditis

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Endocarditis
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Endocarditis

• Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining
  of the heart and its valves. The infection is
  caused by bacteria or fungi that enter the
  bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the
  mouth, open wounds, needles. This condition can
  also happen from medical procedures which involve
  cutting through infected skin.Endocarditis can
  lead to other life-threatening conditions. Stroke
  or reduced blood flow to other organs can occur
  when clumps of bacteria break off from the heart
  and block the blood vessels.The bacteria that
  cause endocarditis can also spread to other
  organs, causing additional tissue damage.
  Uncontrolled endocarditis can permanently damage
  the heart valves, eventually leading to heart
  failure.

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Causes of Endocarditis

• Endocarditis is caused by bacteria or fungi that
  enter the bloodstream from outside the body.
  Endocarditis is unusual in people with healthy
  hearts. Some of the heart diseases or disorders,
  and procedures used to treat certain types of
  heart disease, make people more susceptible to
  endocarditis, including
• Congenital heart disease
• Valve disease
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Implantation of an artificial heart valve
• Implanted devices, such as a pacemaker

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Causes of Endocarditis
Continue

• Patients who had endocarditis once are more
  susceptible to another heart infection. People
  who use intravenous drugs and those who have a
  compromised immune system (for example, from HIV
  or from an organ transplant) are also more likely
  to develop a heart infection.

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Diagnosis of Endocarditis

• Tests commonly used to diagnose endocarditis
  include
• Blood Tests
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Chest X-rays, Computed Tomography and Magnetic
  Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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Risk factors preventions

• Patients who are having high risk of
  endocarditis should practice good dental hygiene,
  including regular brushing, flossing and visits
  to the dentist. The bacteria that cause
  endocarditis often enter the bloodstream though
  tissue damage in the mouth caused by poor dental
  hygiene (gingivitis).Patients who are having
  high risk of endocarditis should also avoid
  cosmetic procedures, such as piercing or
  tattooing, which can push bacteria from the skin
  into the bloodstream. Patients at high risk
  should also see a doctor if they have normal
  wounds that do not heal quickly.Finally,
  patients who are having high risk of endocarditis
  may be prescribed preventive antibiotics before
  some medical procedures, including dental work
  that involves cutting into the gums or teeth, or
  certain types of surgery.

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Symptoms of Endocarditis

• The most common symptoms of endocarditis mimic
  the flu or other viral infections, including
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating, night sweats
• Lack of energy, weakness
• Paleness
• Aching joints and muscles

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Treatment of Endocarditis

• Drug TherapiesVery high doses of antibiotics
  or antifungal drugs are used to treat the heart
  infection. They are delivered directly into a
  vein though an intravenous (IV). The drugs are
  usually given continuously for about six weeks.
  Drug treatment for endocarditis begins in the
  hospital, but some patients can complete their IV
  treatment at home.SurgerySometimes surgery is
  needed to remove damaged tissue or areas of
  infection. Fungal infections are harder than
  bacterial infections to treat with drugs
  alone.Surgery may also be needed to repair or
  replace a heart valve damaged by endocarditis.

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