There are two forms of infective endocarditis, also known as IE: Acute IE — develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days. Subacute or chronic IE (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops
slowly over a period of weeks to several months
.
Can endocarditis symptoms come and go?
Infective endocarditis symptoms may progress slowly or come on suddenly. Sometimes symptoms come and go. Other signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis include:
Fatigue or weakness
.
What are the first signs of endocarditis?
- Fever or chills.
- Night sweats.
- Fatigue.
- Aching muscles and joints.
- Trouble breathing with activity.
- Shortness of breath while lying down.
- Cough.
- Nausea.
What is the most common cause of endocarditis?
Endocarditis is usually caused by
an infection
. Bacteria, fungi or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. If it’s not treated quickly, endocarditis can damage or destroy your heart valves.
What are the chances of surviving endocarditis?
Conclusions: Long term survival following infective endocarditis is
50% after 10 years
and is predicted by early surgical treatment, age < 55 years, lack of congestive heart failure, and the initial presence of more symptoms of endocarditis.
Can you have endocarditis with no fever?
Isolated mitral posteromedial papillary endocarditis
is a rare entity and highlights that even without fever, murmurs, or constitutional symptoms, severe multisystem infections from endocarditis can occur.
When should you suspect endocarditis?
Endocarditis should be suspected in any patient with
unexplained fevers, night sweats, or signs of systemic illness
, particularly if any of the following risk factors are present1: a prosthetic heart valve, structural or congenital heart disease, intravenous drug use, and a recent history of invasive procedures (e.g., …
What does heart infection feel like?
General symptoms of a heart infection include
chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath
. These symptoms can also be present with a life-threatening condition, such as heart attack. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have these symptoms.
How does a person get endocarditis?
Endocarditis is
caused by bacteria in the bloodstream multiplying and spreading across the inner lining of your heart (endocardium)
. The endocardium becomes inflamed, causing damage to your heart valves. Your heart is usually well protected against infection so bacteria can pass harmlessly by.
Can bacterial endocarditis be cured?
Learn more about endocarditis. In many cases of endocarditis,
antibiotics alone can cure the infection
. However, in about 25-30 percent of patients with IE, surgery is needed during the early acute phase of infection due to severe valve leakage or failure to control the infection with antibiotics.
Does endocarditis go away?
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining or heart valves. It’s a serious condition that needs to be
treated right away
. Endocarditis can cause serious complications. It can also lead to death.
Who is at risk of endocarditis?
It’s more common in
older people
, with half of all cases developing in people aged over 50. But cases of endocarditis have been recorded in children, particularly those born with congenital heart disease. Twice as many men are affected as women.
Can bad teeth cause endocarditis?
Poor health in the teeth or gums increases the risk of endocarditis
, as this makes it easier for the bacteria to get in. Good dental hygiene helps prevent heart infection.
How long are you in hospital with endocarditis?
Usually, you will stay in the hospital for
about a week
to receive them through an IV. You may need IV antibiotics for between 2 and 6 weeks, but some of that might be from home.
Why is it hard to treat endocarditis?
If the endocarditis is caused by a fungus, because
fungal infections
are harder to treat than bacterial infections. If the infection is not clearing with antibiotics, or if the bacteria causing the infection have become resistant to antibiotics. If the infection has damaged the heart valves.
How is endocarditis prevented?
- Seeking professional dental care every six months.
- Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Making sure dentures fit properly.
