Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. It is typically caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and attaching to damaged areas of the heart. Common risk factors for infective endocarditis include having a heart defect or prosthetic heart valve, a history of intravenous drug use, or recent dental procedures.
Symptoms of infective endocarditis can include fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, new heart murmur, and weight loss. Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests, echocardiogram, and other imaging studies.
Treatment for infective endocarditis usually involves a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics to eradicate the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you may have infective endocarditis, as untreated infections can lead to serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, or abscesses in other organs. Preventative measures, such as good dental hygiene and antibiotic prophylaxis before certain dental procedures, can help reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis in high-risk individuals.
Infective Endocarditis
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