This endocardium is a thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of this membrane. Infection occurs when bacteria attaches to the membrane and grow.
The infection is most common when the heart or valves have already been damaged. It can be life-threatening. It can permanently impair the heart valves. This can lead to serious health problems, such as congestive heart failure .
The infection can also cause growths on the valves or other areas of the heart. Pieces of these growths can break off and travel to other parts of the body. This can cause serious complications.
Bacteria can travel to the heart through the blood. It can enter the blood from an infection elsewhere in the body. It can also enter during an activity that causes breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. This activity can be dental work, surgery, or IV drug use. Only certain bacteria cause this infection. The most common are:
The bacteria may then be able to attach to the endocardium. Some heart conditions can increase the chance of infections. These conditions may cause blood flow to be obstructed or pool. This provides a place for the bacteria to build up.
The following conditions put you at greater risk during certain procedures:
The conditions listed above increase your risk of the infection with certain activities such as:
Symptoms vary from mild to severe, depending on:
The symptoms that can begin within two weeks of the bacteria entering the bloodstream include:
Note: The first symptom may be caused by a piece of the infected heart growth breaking off . This can include a stroke or other complication to another organ.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen to your heart for a murmur .
Tests may include:
Treatment will focus on getting rid of the infection from the blood and heart.
Antibiotics are given through an IV into a vein. You must be admitted to the hospital for this treatment. This therapy may last for 4-6 weeks.
The antibiotics may fail to remove the bacteria. The infection may also return. In this case, surgery may be needed.
Surgery may also be needed if there was damage done to the heart or valves from the infection.
The best way to prevent endocarditis is to avoid the use of illegal IV drugs. Certain heart conditions may increase your risk. Talk to your doctor to find out whether you are at increased risk for this condition. The American Heart Association recommends:
In addition:
RESOURCES:
American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org/
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/
References:
American Heart Association Medical/Scientific statement: Prevention of bacterial endocarditis. American Heart Association; 1997.
Bonow RO, Carabello BA, Chatterjee K, et al. ACC/AHA 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006;48:e1.
Braunwald E, Zipes DP, Libby P, et al. Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
Hoen B. Epidemiology and antibiotic treatment of infective endocarditis: an update. Heart . 2006;92:1694-700. Review.
Rakel RE and Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
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.
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