**Heart infections** are conditions that affect various tissues or structures of the heart such as the valves, walls or surrounding membranes (pericardium). These infections are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites and can lead to serious damage if left untreated. Sometimes bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream and damage the inner layer of the heart or its valves... Pericarditis inflammation The membrane around the heart is usually caused by viral infections and causes chest pain and fluid accumulation.... Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that is often caused by viruses and can impair heart function.. as heart failure.... **Types of heart infections** 1.... **infective endocarditis** - Infection of the inner layer of the heart and valves.... - Usually by bacteria (such as streptococcus and staphylococcus)... 2.... **pericarditis** - Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart.... - It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or autoimmune diseases.... 3... **Myocarditis** - Inflammation of the heart muscle.... - Usually due to a viral infection or the body's immune reaction... ### **symptoms of heart infection** - **fever and chills** - **shortness of breath** - **chest pain** - **Weakness and extreme fatigue** - **Irregular or rapid heartbeat** - **swelling in the legs or abdomen** - **red spots on the skin or under the nails** (in endocarditis) .... **risk factors for heart infection** **Heart infection** is more common in some people and some risk factors can increase the possibility of getting this disease... People who have damaged heart valves or have a history of heart diseases are more exposed to this infection.... Also, the following factors play an important role in increasing the risk of heart infection: - Age over 60 years Congenital heart defects - Damage to the heart valves - History of endocarditis (heart infection) - History of heart surgery Artificial or replaced heart valves - Injection drug use - Underlying diseases that increase the risk of infection Cardiomyopathy or thickening of the heart muscle Paying attention to these factors and preventing them can play an effective role in reducing the risk of heart infection. **cause of myocarditis infection** Inflammation of the heart muscle or the middle layer of the heart is called myocarditis. In this disease, a viral infection or an autoimmune response causes inflammation and damage to the heart muscle. This disease generally affects healthy people and its effects range from rapid recovery to heart failure. Covid-19, coxsackie virus that affects the digestive system, and hepatitis C virus are all factors that may lead to myocarditis. become.... **2.... Bacterial infections:** Some bacteria also play a role in the occurrence of this disease.... Bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, bacteria that transmit heart mass can cause inflammation of heart mass and ticks.... muscle.... **3.... Autoimmune diseases:** In some cases, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the heart tissue and causes inflammation.... Diseases such as joint rheumatism, including There are factors that can lead to damage to the myocardium (heart muscle)... **cause of pericarditis infection** This type of heart infection is an inflammation of the thin sac that covers the outer surface of your heart... Pericarditis infection usually occurs suddenly.. In most cases, it is mild and does not last long.. In most cases, this disease will improve on its own, but when the disease worsens, surgery and medication may be needed. Viral pericarditis.. Rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma can cause an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the pericardium and causes its inflammation... Infection ** An infection of the inner lining of your heart valves, also known as **bacterial endocarditis** or **infective endocarditis**... This type of infection must be treated immediately because it can damage the heart and even lead to death. Most people who get an endocarditis infection have heart valve disease or heart valve damage. Increase the infection They give are: **1... Improper oral and dental hygiene:** The presence of ulcers or bleeding gums can facilitate the entry of infectious bacteria into the bloodstream and increase the possibility of endocarditis. It can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause a heart infection. Entering the body increases, which can lead to endocarditis... ### **diagnosis and treatment of heart infection** **diagnosis** is done with **blood test** echocardiography****electrocardiogram (ECG)** and sometimes heart biopsy... **treatment** includes: 1 ... Antibiotics or antiviral drugs ... 2 ... In severe cases, surgery to repair or replace heart valves ... 3 ... Supportive treatment such as symptom management and improving heart function ... ### **Prevention of heart infection** - Maintaining oral and dental hygiene... - Avoiding the use of injectable drugs... - Receiving preventive antibiotics in people with artificial heart valves or underlying heart diseases... Diagnosis and **rapid treatment of heart infections** can reduce the risk of serious complications and maintain heart health...