Did you realize that there is virtually no part of your body that is a germ free zone and safe from developing an infection? Not even your heart is immune from the ravages of germs and bacteria. Just like the rest of your body, it is also susceptible to developing an infection.
Endocarditis is an infection of the heart which specifically attacks the heart’s inner lining (endocardium). Since your heart is not exposed externally, the germs or bacteria reach your heart through the bloodstream. The bacteria can enter from such simple and common activities as brushing your teeth (keep your gums in good condition!), a dental procedure that requires your gums to be cut, or body piercing and tattoos. Catheters or contaminated needles may also be a point of entry into the bloodstream along with STDs, skin infections and other sores. Endocarditis may also be caused by a fungal infection that attacks the heart.
Most people who have healthy hearts don’t have to worry about developing endocarditis. However, if your heart isn’t healthy – if you have some type of heart or valve damage – then you are at risk. As with all “bad” things, the germs and bacteria seem to have an uncanny way of knowing exactly what part of your body is weakest. As if guided by an internal here-is-the-weakest-link GPS locator, the bacteria will head straight to the damaged areas of your heart and start attacking. People who have artificial heart valves, or those with congenital heart defects are also more susceptible to the germ/bacterial attack as are IV drug users. Of course, if you’ve already previously had endocarditis, you are at greater risk for developing it again.
As with any other infection, you may or may not get advance warning that you are getting sick. There are a number of symptoms, some of which are fairly common and symptomatic of a number of other illnesses. Other symptoms are more distinctive in nature. More common symptoms may include: fever, chills, fatigue, night sweats, shortness of breath, paleness and aching joints and muscles. You may develop a heart murmur. Or, if you have an existing heart murmur, you may experience a change in the condition or severity of your murmur. You may also experience other symptoms such as petechiae, Osler’s node, blood in your urine, Janeway lesions, splinter hemorrhages or other nail abnormalities, or sudden tenderness in your spleen. Some people also experience a cough which doesn’t go away, weight loss or problems with legs, feet and abdomen swelling. Your eyes may also show evidence of retinal bleeding (Roth’s spots).
Endocarditis is a serious condition and in some instances may be life-threatening. It may cause permanent damage and destruction to your heart valves, as well as strokes, other organ damage (brain, kidneys, lungs), arrhythmias, jaundice, changes in your brain or nervous system, glomerulonephritis, congestive heart failure, and abscesses or infections throughout the rest of your body (including your brain).
Endocarditis is generally treated with antibiotics. Some people will require intravenous (IV) antibiotics. You can expect to take the antibiotics at least 4 – 6 weeks, or longer before the endocarditis infection will completely heal. If your endocarditis infection is caused by a fungus instead of bacteria, then you may also need surgery to remove the fungus.
Endocarditis is almost always fatal if left untreated. Since you can’t see your heart, it’s important to know and understand your risk factors, as well as the symptoms for endocarditis. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, you should seek medical attention, particularly if you also have risk factors for developing endocarditis.
Until next time, here’s wishing you a healthy heart.
(Disclaimer: I am not a physician and nothing in this article should be construed as giving medical advice. As with any medical decision, please consult your physician.)
Note: For more information on heart health related issues, please visit other “A Woman’s Heart” articles by this author.
Sources:
Endocarditis, The Mayo Clinic, http://mayoclinic.com/health/endocarditis/DS00409
Smith, D. Scott, M.D., Endocarditis, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus, 23 Sept. 2008,
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001098.htm