Endocarditis
Riley Brazeau
What's Endocarditis all about?
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart
Symptoms
- Fever and Chills
- New Heart Murmur
- Fatigue
- Aching Joints
- Night Sweats
- Shortness of Breath
- Paleness
- Persistent Cough
- Swelling
- Weight Loss
- Blood in Urine
- Tender Spleen
What Causes Endocarditis?
Endocarditis generally occurs when bacteria or other germs spread through the blood stream and attaches to damaged areas in heart.
Other Causes
- Dental Procedures
- Everyday Oral Activities
- Medical Condition
- Catheter or Needle
Incidence
- Uncommon in people with a healthy heart, but people with artificial heart valves, or other heart defects are more at risk
- Most common in people of older age because of increasing heart issues because of age
How can you Prevent Endocarditis?
Doctors can prescribe an antibiotic that is to be taken prior to different procedures where bacteria can enter the blood stream and cause infection
Whats the Risk?
If left untreated it can damage or destroy your heart valves.
Endocarditis can lead to life threatening complications if you have
- Artificial Heart Valves
- Damaged Heart Valves
- History of IV illegal drug use
Treatment Options
- Antibiotics
- In extreme cases surgery may be required
Ways to test for Endocarditis
- Blood Tests
- Transesophpgeal Echo-cardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Chest X-Ray
- CT scan or MRI