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OVERVIEW

What is infective endocarditis?

Infective endocarditis (also known as bacterial endocarditis) is a type of infection. It occurs in the valves and inner lining of the heart (called the endocardium). It is not common but can happen if bacteria from another part of your body enter the bloodstream.

Infective endocarditis can be acute or chronic. Acute infective endocarditis happens quickly and can get worse fast. If left untreated, it can be life threatening. Chronic infective endocarditis happens over time. It may take weeks or months to notice symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms may be signs of acute infective endocarditis. You also may have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of chronic infective endocarditis can include fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes bacterial endocarditis?

Although infective endocarditis can occur in anyone, some people are at a greater risk. This includes people who have:

• A diagnosed heart valve problem
• A heart defect or heart murmur
• A past surgery on heart valves
• An artificial heart valve
• A heart transplant
• A history of intravenous drug use (drug use that involves needles)
• A history of endocarditis

If you have one of these factors, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk of BE. Dental work, including a teeth cleaning, and some medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy, can increase the risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is bacterial endocarditis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may suspect you have infective endocarditis based on your symptoms and health history.  They will then need to do tests to diagnose it.  These include blood tests and an echocardiography (echo) An echo tests your heart  using ultrasound.

PREVENTION

Can infective endocarditis be prevented or avoided?

You cannot always prevent infective endocarditis. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider if you are at risk. If you need to have dental work or a procedure, you may need to take an antibiotic first. Doing so can keep bacteria from getting into your bloodstream.

TREATMENT

How is infective endocarditis treated?

Infective endocarditis is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually started intravenously (through an IV) in the hospital, but many people can finish their treatment at home. For more complicated infections, heart surgery may be needed.

Living with bacterial endocarditis

A possible side effect of BE is heart failure. This occurs when your heart has a hard time pumping blood. Other complications of infective endocarditis include damage to your heart muscles, blood clots, and an abnormal heartbeat. If infective endocarditis isn’t treated, it can lead to death.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada website

http://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart/conditions/infective-endocarditis