Endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart’s inner lining (endocardium) and valves, primarily caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans. The condition occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged heart valves or tissue, leading to inflammation, clot formation, and potential heart failure. Without timely treatment, endocarditis can be life-threatening.
Causes & How Endocarditis Develops
Endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, where they attach to damaged valves or heart tissue. The bacteria create vegetations, which are clumps of infected material that can impair heart function and spread infection.
Common sources of bacterial entry include:
- Dental infections or procedures, such as tooth extractions.
- Untreated skin infections or abscesses, particularly from Staphylococcus aureus.
- Contaminated needles, including those used for IV drug use.
- Prosthetic heart valves, which increase the risk of bacterial attachment.
- Previous heart valve disease or congenital heart defects.
Common Symptoms of Endocarditis
Symptoms of endocarditis can develop over days to weeks and may include:
- Fever and chills.
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion.
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
- Swollen legs or feet, due to fluid retention.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Petechiae (tiny red or purple spots) on the skin, nails, or eyes.
- Janeway lesions or Osler’s nodes, which are skin abnormalities linked to endocarditis.
Severe cases may lead to heart murmurs, blood clots, or embolisms, which can cause stroke or organ damage.
How Endocarditis is Diagnosed
Endocarditis is diagnosed through clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Blood cultures, to identify the bacteria causing the infection.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), to detect valve damage or vegetations.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), to assess irregular heart rhythms.
- Complete blood count (CBC), to check for infection markers.
Endocarditis Treatments & Management
Endocarditis requires immediate medical treatment to prevent complications. Common approaches include:
- Medical treatments, to eliminate the bacterial infection.
- Hospitalization, for IV treatment and monitoring.
- Surgery, in severe cases where heart valve repair or replacement is needed.
Supportive care may also include:
- Anticoagulant therapy, if blood clot risk is high.
- Pain management, to alleviate chest discomfort.
- Rehabilitation therapy, for post-surgical recovery.
Possible Complications of Endocarditis
If untreated, endocarditis can lead to severe complications, including:
- Heart valve damage, leading to heart failure.
- Septic embolism, where infected clots travel to other organs.
- Stroke or brain abscess, due to bacterial spread.
- Kidney or lung infections, as bacteria affect multiple organs.
- Death, particularly in cases where treatment is delayed.
How to Prevent Endocarditis
Preventing endocarditis involves good hygiene, infection control, and heart health management. Key preventive measures include:
- Practicing good oral hygiene, including regular dental check-ups.
- Seeking prompt treatment for skin infections or wounds.
- Avoiding IV drug use and using sterile injection practices.
- Taking preventive medical treatments, before dental or surgical procedures if at high risk.
- Monitoring and managing heart conditions, particularly in those with prosthetic valves or congenital heart defects.
Trivia About Endocarditis
- Endocarditis is more common in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, though it can occur in healthy individuals.
- The condition was once known as “infective endocarditis”, as bacteria are the most common cause.
- Vegetations on heart valves can break off, leading to serious complications like stroke.
- Osler’s nodes are tender, red nodules on the fingers and toes, while Janeway lesions are painless red patches.
- Before the discovery of modern treatments, endocarditis was often fatal, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. It is intended to share general knowledge about endocarditis in an easy-to-understand way. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified medical professional for guidance.