Endocarditis (Infection of the heart)

Causes

• Poor dental hygiene e.g., improper or inadequate tooth brushing and flossing
• Long-term catheterisation 
• Use of contaminated needles

Signs and symptoms

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Muscle and joint aches
• Pain in the chest when breathing
• Swelling in the legs, feet or abdomen
• A new or altered heart murmur
• Sore, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
• Skin rashes
• Cuts or wounds that do not heal

Risk factors

• Older age
• Congenital heart defects
• Poor dental hygiene
• Prosthetic (artificial) heart valves
• Damage to heart valves (caused by rheumatic fever or infections)
• Implanted heart device (e.g., pacemaker)
• Previous endocarditis
• Previous use of contaminated IV needles
• Prolonged catheter use

Diagnosis

• Evaluation of infection symptoms
• Echocardiogram
• Blood cultures

Treatment options

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Surgery to restore heart valve damage and improve cardiac function

Prevention

• Seek immediate medical help if you experience any symptoms
• Maintain proper oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing of teeth as well as frequent dental check-ups
• Avoid using illegal intravenous drugs
• Take preventive antibiotics prior to a medical or dental surgery if you have a high risk of developing endocarditis

Visit your nearest Gleneagles Hospital to learn more about our Cardiology Services

References

1. Endocarditis. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352576 [Accessed on 10 May 2022]
2. Endocarditis. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16957-endocarditis [Accessed on 10 May 2022]