Pokenga huakita ā-manawa Infective endocarditis

Endocarditis is the medical name for inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, including the heart valves. The inflammation is most often caused by an infection, and this is called infective endocarditis.

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Causes of infective endocarditis

Endocarditis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by a fungal infection.

The bacteria or fungi need to enter your bloodstream to then infect your heart. They may cause clumps of material known as vegetations to form in your heart.

Increased risks for infective endocarditis

You are at an increased risk of infective endocarditis if you have:

Congenital heart disease — Heart Foundation (external link)

If you have one of these conditions, it is important to let your dentist know. This is because you will need antibiotics before certain dental procedures or oral surgery. The antibiotics are used to protect you from getting endocarditis.

Symptoms of infective endocarditis

If you have infective endocarditis you are likely to have a fever at some stage of your illness. Other symptoms include:

  • generally feeling unwell
  • aches and pains
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • loss of appetite.

Complications of infective endocarditis

Sometimes, the vegetations (growths in your heart) can break off, travel in your bloodstream and damage other parts of your body. Your brain, kidneys or lungs can be affected as well as your arms and legs.

Other complications can include:

  • heart valve damage
  • heart failure
  • stroke
  • an enlarged spleen.

Diagnosing infective endocarditis

It can be hard to diagnose endocarditis because other illnesses can have the same symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will listen to your symptoms and examine you, including listening to your heart for a new extra sound (murmur).

If they think you might have endocarditis you will need to be admitted to hospital. You will have some blood tests to try to detect any bacteria or fungi in your bloodstream.

You will also have an ultrasound examination (echocardiogram) to check for damage to your heart valves and other parts of your heart.

Treating infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is usually treated with long-term antibiotics or antifungal medication for several weeks. If the endocarditis is severe, you might need heart surgery.

Preventing infective endocarditis

If you have a higher risk of endocarditis, the ways you can help prevent it include:

  • having good oral and dental hygiene and regular dental visits
  • taking care of your skin
  • washing any cuts or grazes
  • getting medical help for skin infections
  • avoiding tattoos, piercings or other cosmetic procedures that break your skin
  • avoiding risky behaviours such as intravenous drug use
  • taking antibiotics before certain dental and medical procedures or surgeries.

It is also important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of endocarditis and seek prompt medical attention if you have them. 

Endocarditis (prevention) — NHS UK (external link)