Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, usually caused by bacteria. When the inflammation is caused by an infection, it is called infective endocarditis. Endocarditis is uncommon in people with healthy hearts. It can be dangerous.

So in this article from GCORP LLC we want to tell you what infective endocarditis is and how dangerous it is.. then we will share with you the ways to treat it... stay with us.

See more: Cardiologist

What is cardiac endocarditis?...

Inflammatory endocarditis is a threat to the inner lining of the heart valves (endocardium). This disease is usually caused by an infection. Bacteria, fungi or other germs spread from parts of the body, such as the mouth, through the bloodstream and attach to the damaged areas of the heart.

If not treated quickly, endocarditis can damage or destroy the heart valves. Treatment for endocarditis includes medications and sometimes surgery. People who are most at risk for developing endocarditis usually have damaged heart valves, artificial heart valves, or other heart problems.

The cause of infective endocarditis of the heart

The main cause of endocarditis is an bacterial overgrowth... Although these bacteria usually live inside or outside of your body, you can get them into your bloodstream by eating or drinking....Also, bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or the oral cavity....Your immune system usually fights the germs before they become a problem in some people.>..

About Endocarditis infectious, Germs travel through the bloodstream to your heart where they multiply and cause inflammation. Endocarditis can also be caused by fungi or other microbes. Eating and drinking aren't the only ways germs can enter your body.. They can through:

• Brushing
• Improper oral and dental hygiene
• Damage to the gums
• Acquiring a sexually transmitted disease
• Contamination with a contaminated needle
• Infection through a urinary catheter or intravenous catheter

Symptoms of cardiac endocarditis

Endocarditis can develop slowly or suddenly, the severity of the infection depends on how much the germs have caused the infection and whether you have other heart problems. Signs and symptoms of endocarditis vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Chest pain when breathing
• Fatigue
• Flu symptoms such as fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• New or changed heart murmurs heart is normal.. blood).
Less common signs and symptoms of endocarditis can include:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in the urine (you may be able to see it, or your doctor may examine it under a microscope). Mouth
The signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis vary from person to person. They can change over time and depend on the cause of the infection, the health of the heart, and the duration of the infection. If you have a history of heart problems, heart surgery, or previous endocarditis, you should call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur.

Also, if you are using antibiotics for treatment, be sure to consult your doctor if you develop diarrhea, skin rash, itching or joint pain..

Learn more: What is a cpk (creatine phosphokinase) test?


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Ways to diagnose infective endocarditis of the heart

Before performing any test, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history.. After this examination, he will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart. In this context, the following tests may also be performed:

1. Blood test

Blood tests are ordered so your doctor can check whether bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms are causing the condition. Other blood tests can also show that your symptoms may be caused by other conditions, such as anemia.

2. Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a radiation-free imaging test used to look at the heart and its valves. This test uses ultrasound waves to create an image of your heart by placing an imaging probe in front of your chest. Your doctor may use this imaging test to check for signs of damage or abnormal heart movements.

3. Echocardiography through the esophagus

When previous tests do not provide enough information to accurately evaluate the heart, the doctor may order additional imaging tests. This test is used to view the heart through the esophagus.

4. Electrocardiogram

To better view the heart's electrical activity, an EKG may also be ordered.. This test can detect abnormal heart beats or rhythms.. A technician attaches 12 to 15 soft electrodes to your skin.

5. X-ray of the chest

Some lung problems can also cause symptoms similar to endocarditis.. A chest x-ray may be used to look at your lungs and your doctor can see if they are abnormal or have fluid..

Risk factors for cardiac endocarditis

Now is the time to answer the question whether endocarditis of the heart is dangerous or not and under what conditions its risk increases.... If the heart valves are damaged, you will most likely get endocarditis.... However, endocarditis sometimes happens in healthy people too.... The following things increase its risk:

• Age: Endocarditis is more common in adults over 60.
• Artificial heart valves: Germs are more likely to stick to an artificial (prosthetic) valve than a natural heart valve.
• Damaged valves such as damaged heart valves, such as infections from fever, or certain medical infections They can cause disease.. from one or more heart valves, increasing the risk of infection.
• Congenital heart defects:If you are born with certain types of heart defects, such as abnormal heart valves, your heart is more susceptible to infection.
• Implant device: Bacteria can get into the device that connects the heartbeat. heart.
• History of endocarditis:It can damage heart tissue and heart valves and increase the risk of heart infection in the future.
• History of drug use:People who are addicted to drugs are more at risk of developing endocarditis... Needles that are used to inject drugs may be contaminated with the bacteria that cause it.
• Improper dental hygiene:Having a healthy mouth and healthy gums is essential for health... If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria can grow inside the mouth and enter the bloodstream through cuts in the gums.

  Complications of infective endocarditis of the heart

  These complications can be caused by damage from infection... Complications such as abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, blood clots, damage to other organs, and hyperbilirubinemia with jaundice... Also, infected blood can cause embolism or clots in other parts of your body.

  Other members that may be affected include:

  • Kidneys
  • Lungs
  • Brain
  • Bones (especially the spine)

  Bacteria or fungi can travel through your heart and affect these areas.. These germs can also cause abscesses in organs or other parts of the body. Other serious complications that can occur as a result of endocarditis include stroke and heart failure.

  Methods for treating infective endocarditis of the heart

  1. Antibiotics

  If your endocarditis is caused by bacteria, it will be treated with intravenous antibiotic treatments.... Your doctor will advise you to take antibiotics until the associated infection and inflammation are effectively treated.... You should take these medicines for a week, until you see signs of improvement.... After you are discharged from the hospital, you should continue the antibiotic treatment... be needed... This treatment usually lasts up to 6 weeks.

  2. Surgery

  Long-term infective endocarditis or damage to the heart valves caused by endocarditis may require surgery to repair. Sometimes surgery is recommended to remove dead tissue, scar tissue, fluid accumulation, or remnants of infected tissue. Surgery may also be performed to repair or remove the damaged heart valve and replace it with artificial material or animal tissue.>

  Methods to prevent infective endocarditis of the heart

  Observation of oral and dental hygiene and visiting the dentist on time can reduce the risk of bacteria accumulating in the mouth and entering the bloodstream.... Therefore, the possibility of endocarditis caused by infection or oral injury is also reduced.... If the dentist prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed.

  If you have a history of congenital heart disease, heart surgery, or endocarditis, watch out for signs and symptoms of endocarditis. Pay special attention to persistent fever and unexplained fatigue.. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.

  It is also best to avoid the following:

  • Body piercing
  • Tattoo
  • IV injection of medication
  • Any method that allows germs to enter your blood

  Conclusion

  If you suffer from infective endocarditis or any type of congenital heart disease, take preventive measures...Also, contact your doctor and dentist to prevent its spread by taking prophylactic antibiotics....We suggest you contact the doctors of GCORP LLC for more advice and to make an online appointment.

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