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Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an inflammation of your heart's inner lining. The most common type, bacterial endocarditis, occurs when germs enter your heart. These germs come through your bloodstream from another part of your body, often your mouth. Bacterial endocarditis can damage your heart valves. If untreated, it can be life-threatening. It is rare in healthy hearts.

Risk factors include having

If you have a high risk of bacterial endocarditis, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics before dental work and certain types of surgery.

Early treatment can help you avoid complications. Symptoms you might notice include fever, shortness of breath, fluid buildup in your arms or legs, tiny red spots on your skin and weight loss. Treatment usually involves high-dose antibiotics.

Endocarditis on Wikipedia

'''Endocarditis''' is an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, the endocardium. The most common structures involved are the heart valves. Endocarditis can be classified as either ''infective'' or ''non-infective'', depending on whether a foreign organism is causing the problem.

Infective endocarditis

As the valves of the heart do not actually receive any blood supply of their own, which may be surprising given their location, defense mechanisms (such as white blood cells) cannot enter. So if an organism (such as bacterium) establish hold on the valves, the body cannot get rid of them. Normally, blood flows pretty smoothly through these valves. If they have been damaged (for instance in rheumatic fever) bacteria have a chance to take hold.

Classification

Traditionally, infective endocarditis has been divided into ''acute'' and ''sub-acute'' endocarditis. This terminology is now discouraged, as the word ''sub-acute'' is considered an oxymoron. Nowadays, the terms ''short incubation'' (meaning about less than six weeks), and ''long incubation'' (greater than six weeks), are preferred. Infective endocarditis may also be classified as ''culture-positive'' or ''culture-negative''. Culture-negative endocarditis is due to micro-organisms that require a longer period of time to be identified in the laboratory. Such organisms are said to be ''fastidious'' because they have demanding growth requirements. Some pathogens responsible for culture-negative endocarditis include ''Aspergillus species'', ''Brucella species'', ''Coxiella burnettii'', ''Chlamydia species'', and HACEK bacteria. Finally, the distinction between ''native-valve endocarditis'' and ''prosthetic-valve endocarditis'' is clinically important.   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Columbia University of Health Sciences - A look at infective endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy. Discussion on each about diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Health Encyclopedia - Line up of all the heart diseases and description of each, included are endocarditis, arrhythmias, bradycardia, tachycardia and heart failure.

The Merck Manual - A look at endocarditis, the symptoms and signs, diagnosing, prognosis, prophylaxis, treatment, valve surgery, and response to treatment.

Heart Point - A look at endocarditis, explaining what it is, who should take antibiotics for dental and certain other procedures, and cardiac conditions associated with the risk.

Non-infective Endocarditis - The Merck Manual: A look at the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Diagnosis and Management of Infective Endocarditis and Its Complications - American Heart Association Scientific Statement.

Bacterial Endocarditis - Ernest G. Brookfield, M.D.(pediatrics) discusses this disease, what it is and what the causes are, complications, symptoms, tests and prevention.

Preventing Bacterial Endocarditis: American Heart Association Guidelines - February 1, 1998 - American Family Physician - An explanation of what this disease is and who is at risk. Also detailed guidelines for the procedures requiring antibiotic prophylaxis and the dosage and type required.

Children's Heart Center - A description of endocarditis and how we can prevent it.

Gum Disease May Be a Threat - An article on teeth, gums and periodontal disease and how it can lead to heart disease and endocarditis.

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