The condition is sometimes called infective endocarditis, and it can damage your heart, causing serious complications. Though infective endocarditis is potentially life-threatening, most people who are treated with antibiotics recover.
FeverChillsFatigueMuscle or joint achesHeadachesNight sweatsShortness of breath and chest painSwelling in feet, legs, or abdomen
Unexplained weight lossBlood in the urineRed spots on the soles of your feet or palms of your handRed, tender spots under the skin of your fingers and toesTiny purple or red spots in the whites of your eyes or inside your mouthTenderness in the spleen
If endocarditis damages the heart valves, symptoms and complications may last for years. In these cases, sometimes surgery is needed to either repair the damaged valve or replace it with an artificial one.
Prevention of Endocarditis
Not all cases of endocarditis can be prevented. In the past, prophylactic (preventive) antibiotic treatments were given to almost everyone with a congenital heart defect one hour before dental procedures, oral surgery, or operations on the gut, genitals, or urinary tract. Now only people at the highest risk of endocarditis are given antibiotics before certain dental procedures. Your doctor can help you figure out your risk for endocarditis and whether you need to take any prophylactic medications. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy can reduce the risk of bacteria getting into your bloodstream. If you have symptoms of endocarditis, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately. The sooner you can begin treatment with antibiotics, the lower your risk of developing serious complications. Untreated endocarditis can turn fatal.
Heart problems (heart murmur, heart failure, heart valve damage, abnormal heartbeat, heart attack)Meningitis or other brain infectionsStrokes or seizuresPulmonary embolism (sudden blockage of blood flow to the lungs)PneumoniaDamage to kidneys or spleen
Older estimates found that about 4 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with infective endocarditis each year in the United States. Some newer research suggests that endocarditis may be more common than previously thought — and that the prevalence of endocarditis in the United States also may be increasing. Endocarditis is more common in men than women.
The results showed that Black patients were more likely to die from endocarditis than white patients. They were also less likely to undergo valve repair or replacement surgeries. While the researchers did not look at the underlying reasons for these disparities, they offered some theories. First, studies show Black Americans are known to have more cases of drug-resistant organisms, which makes an endocarditis infection difficult to treat with antibiotics. Black patients are also less likely than whites to receive care at high-volume hospitals that carry out complex surgical procedures, including valve replacements. Rather, other research has found, Black Americans are more likely to have high-risk surgeries at lower quality hospitals. The AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to patients with heart issues. Here you can find resources and connect with other patients dealing with heart-related problems. If you are at risk of endocarditis, your doctor can download and print out a wallet card from the AHA’s website stating extra precautions that should be taken before certain treatments. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) NORD is a patient advocacy organization dedicated to individuals with rare disorders and conditions, including endocarditis. Get the essential facts about endocarditis on NORD’s website. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic provides a complete overview of endocarditis. You can also find general tips on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, including ways to make your diet healthier and tips to get in more physical activity. Additional reporting by Lindsey Konkel.
