Infective endocarditis, also known as endocarditis due to its association with the heart, is a serious bacterial infection that can seriously damage the heart v...
Infective endocarditis, also known as endocarditis due to its association with the heart, is a serious bacterial infection that can seriously damage the heart valves and lining of the heart chambers. Symptoms of endocarditis include sudden and severe pain or pressure in the abdomen, back, or neck, often radiating to the jaw or arm. Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid pulse.
The bacteria that cause endocarditis are typically from the same group of bacteria that cause community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through a cut or injury in the skin, or through a dental procedure or other medical procedure.
Endocarditis can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications such as stroke, kidney failure, and even death. Treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical removal of the infected valve