Infective endocarditis
Overview
Infective endocarditis: The infection and inflammation of the inner heart layers, especially the valves. The infection is usually bacterial. The condition carries a high risk of death.
Symptoms
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Infective endocarditis includes the 25 symptoms listed below: * Fatigue * Fever * Loss of appetite * Night sweats * Chills * Malaise * Anorexia * Back pain * Heart murmur * Weakness * Headache * Joint discomfort * Swollen legs * Swollen feet * Swollen abdomen * Weight loss * Pallor * Muscle pain * Shortness of breath on exertion * Aches * Blood in urine * Dark lines under nails - due to hemorrhage * Unusual urine color * Petechiae * Enlarged spleen
Causes
Endocarditis occurs most commonly in I.V. drug abusers, patients with prosthetic heart valves, and those with mitral valve prolapse (especially males with a systolic murmur). These conditions have surpassed rheumatic heart disease as the leading risk factor. Other predisposing conditions include coarctation of the aorta; tetralogy of Fallot; subaortic and valvular aortic stenosis; ventricular septal defects; pulmonary stenosis; Marfan syndrome; degenerative heart disease, especially calcific aortic stenosis; and, rarely, syphilitic aortic valve. Some patients with endocarditis have no underlying heart disease.
Diagnosis
Home medical tests related to Infective endocarditis: * High Blood Pressure: Home Testing o Home Blood Pressure Tests o Home Blood Pressure Monitors o Home Heart Tests * Heart Health: Home Testing: o Heart Rate Monitors o Irregular Heartbeat Detection o Heart Electrocardiogram (ECG) o Home Cholesterol Tests
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to eradicate the infecting organism. Antimicrobial therapy should start promptly and continue over 4 to 6 weeks. Selection of an antibiotic is based on identification of the infecting organism and on sensitivity studies. While awaiting test results or if blood cultures are negative, empiric antimicrobial therapy is based on the likely infecting organism. Supportive treatment includes bed rest, aspirin for fever and aches, and sufficient fluid intake. Severe valvular damage, especially aortic or mitral insufficiency, may necessitate corrective surgery if refractory heart failure develops or in cases in which an infected prosthetic valve must be replaced.