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Endocarditis: Basic Disease Information - iMedix

Endocarditis

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Endocarditis

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Endocarditis: Clinical Nursing Care

What is Endocarditis?

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves, usually caused by bacteria. It can damage heart tissues and is a serious condition that needs prompt treatment.

What Causes Endocarditis?

Endocarditis is most commonly caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and traveling to the heart. This can occur through everyday activities like brushing teeth, especially if you have poor dental health, or through medical procedures, injections, or surgery.

What are the Symptoms of Endocarditis?

Symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, swollen limbs or abdomen, unexplained weight loss, and new or changed heart murmur. Some patients may experience small blood spots on skin or nails.

How is Endocarditis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to identify bacteria, echocardiogram to view heart condition, and sometimes other imaging tests like CT scans or MRI.

What are the Treatment Options for Endocarditis?

Treatment typically includes a lengthy course of intravenous antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged heart valves, remove clumps of bacteria and infected tissues, or treat complications like stroke.

Who is at Risk for Endocarditis?

Risk factors include having a heart valve disease, a prosthetic heart valve, a history of endocarditis, congenital heart defects, or a history of intravenous drug use. People undergoing frequent invasive procedures are also at higher risk.

Can Endocarditis be Prevented?

Prevention strategies include maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, avoiding intravenous drug use, and for those at high risk, taking preventive antibiotics before certain medical or dental procedures as recommended by a healthcare provider.

  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
  • Heart murmur or irregular heartbeat
  • Night sweats
  • New or worsening heart murmurs
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Headaches
DiseaseCauses
Endocarditis
  • Bacterial or fungal infections entering the bloodstream
  • Dental procedures that cause bleeding
  • Intravenous drug use
  • Prosthetic heart valves or damaged heart valves
  • Certain medical conditions such as structural heart defects or immunodeficiency

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Diagnosing Endocarditis

Diagnosing endocarditis typically involves the following:

  1. Medical History: The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent infections or procedures you’ve had.
  2. Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, including listening to your heart for abnormal sounds or murmurs.
  3. Blood Tests: Blood tests can help determine if there is an ongoing infection in your body. These may include:
    • Blood cultures: Several sets of blood cultures may be taken to identify the specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection.
    • Complete blood count (CBC): This test gives information about the number and types of cells in your blood, including white blood cells that may indicate an infection.
    • Inflammatory markers: Levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may be elevated in endocarditis.
  4. Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a key diagnostic test for endocarditis. It uses sound waves to create images of your heart and heart valves. This test can detect any abnormalities, such as infected or damaged heart valves.
  5. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of your heart. It can help identify irregular heart rhythms that may be associated with endocarditis.
  6. Other imaging tests: Additional imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan, may be done to assess the overall health of your heart and identify any complications like abscesses or congestive heart failure.
  7. Other Diagnostic Procedures: In some cases, your doctor may recommend other procedures, such as a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) or cardiac catheterization, to further evaluate the extent and severity of the infection.

Please note that this HTML markup is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect you have endocarditis or any other medical condition, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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