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Causes
Causes include:
- Bacterial infection (most common cause)
- Viral or fungal infection
- Medical conditions that result in blood clotting too easily (this causes a noninfectious form)
Bacterial Endocarditis
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Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of endocarditis include:
- Having an artificial heart valve
- History of endocarditis
- History of rheumatic fever , which can damage heart valves
- Heart defects
- Enlarged heart
- Mitral valve prolapse
- History of IV drug use
-
Recent procedures that can lead to
bacterial endocarditis
, including:
- Tooth cleaning
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
- Bronchoscopy
- Surgery on the gastrointestinal, urinary, or respiratory tracts
- Gallbladder or prostate surgery
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.