Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or lining caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. People with pre-existing heart conditions and intravenous drug users are at higher risk. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and joint pain. Treatment includes antibiotics and surgery. Prevention includes good oral hygiene and taking antibiotics before medical procedures.
Bacterial endocarditis, more commonly called infective endocarditis, is an infection of the heart valves or the lining of the heart chambers. It occurs when bacteria from the mouth, skin, upper respiratory system, intestinal tract, or urinary tract enter the bloodstream and attach themselves to the heart. People with pre-existing heart conditions tend to be more at risk of developing infections because the lining of the heart tends to be rougher, making it easier for bacteria to adhere. Bacterial endocarditis can lead to permanent heart damage or death if left untreated.
Some procedures, such as dental cleanings or gastrointestinal or urinary tract procedures, can cause bacteria in those areas to travel briefly into the bloodstream. People with heart problems, such as congenital heart defects, artificial hearts, or damaged heart valves, are more likely to have the bacteria that cause infections because the body makes various cells to repair damage to the heart. The bacteria can get trapped under the extra cells and form lumps of infected tissue called vegetations. Plants can travel through the bloodstream and block blood vessels or spread the infection to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, brain or lungs.
Intravenous drug users are also at risk of developing bacterial endocarditis. Using dirty needles can inject the bacteria directly into your bloodstream. Drug users also run a higher risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which increases the chances that the infection will not respond to treatment.
The symptoms of bacterial endocarditis are similar to the flu, which can keep some people from seeking treatment. One of the most common symptoms of the infection is a fever that lasts for more than three days. The infection can also cause extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and fatigue. In severe cases, joint pain, bright red rashes, wounds that don’t heal, and bloody or discolored urine may also occur.
Doctors usually diagnose the infection by doing a blood culture. Blood samples are combined with solutions that make any bacteria visible. An ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram may also be done to check for signs of infection.
Serious complications can result from the infection, such as an irregular heartbeat, blood clots, brain infection, stroke, and heart failure; however, bacterial endocarditis is usually treatable if reported to doctors early. A person with the infection is typically given intravenous doses of antibiotics for about four to six weeks to fight off the bacteria. Surgery may also be done if the infection has caused further damage to the heart valves or lining.
There are a few ways to prevent bacterial endocarditis. People with pre-existing heart conditions may be advised to take antibiotics before dental or other medical procedures to fight the bacteria before it spreads. Oral hygiene and proper care of cuts or wounds can also reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis.
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