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Patient ReportsEndocarditis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Jagadeesh Chandra Bose Y , Cardiologists
Table of Contents
Endocarditis, also known as infective endocarditis, is a serious infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, most commonly affecting the heart valves. It is usually caused by bacteria, but fungi and other microorganisms can also be responsible. The infection occurs when germs enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged or abnormal heart valves or other areas of the heart.
Symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, heart murmurs, shortness of breath, and signs of embolic complications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics, and in some cases surgery, are essential to prevent heart damage, stroke, and other life-threatening complications.
What are the Symptoms for Endocarditis?
Endocarditis symptoms can differ from one person to another. Here are some of the common symptoms of endocarditis:
- Fatigue
- A changed or new heart murmur,
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or feet
- Night sweats
- Aching muscles and joints
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chills and fever
- Chest pain
What are the Causes Endocarditis?
The leading cause of endocarditis is prexisting heart problem like valvular or congenital heart disease with overgrowth of bacteria. Although these bacteria often live inside or outside your body, eating or drinking might transfer them to your bloodstream.
Also, injuries on your skin or mouth might allow bacteria to enter into the blood. The immune system often eliminates bacteria before they cause any issue, but in some people, it proves unsuccessful.
When you have infective endocarditis, bacteria enter your bloodstream and then go to your heart, where they grow and inflame the heart tissues. Other bacteria or fungi may also cause endocarditis. Eating and drinking aren't the only ways germs can enter your body. You can also expose yourself to them by:
- Having poor oral hygiene or gum disease
- Having a dental procedure that cuts your gums
- Contracting a sexually transmitted disease
- Using a contaminated needle
- Through an indwelling urinary catheter or intravenous catheter
When to See a Doctor for Endocarditis?
Individuals with persistent fever, unexplained fatigue, new heart murmurs, or a history of heart valve disease should seek prompt evaluation by a Cardiologist or Infectious Disease Specialist.
You should see a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent fever with chills
- Shortness of breath or unexplained fatigue
- New or worsening heart murmur
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you:
- Develop severe chest pain or breathing difficulty
- Experience sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or signs of stroke
- Show signs of septic shock, confusion, or loss of consciousness
These symptoms may indicate life-threatening complications requiring urgent hospital treatment.
How is Endocarditis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, blood cultures, heart imaging, and laboratory investigations to identify the infecting organism and evaluate heart valve damage.
Early diagnosis allows prompt antibiotic treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
Diagnostic Methods
- Medical history and physical examination
- Multiple blood cultures
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest X-ray
- Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) when complications are suspected
What are the Treatment Options for Endocarditis?
Treatment aims to eliminate the infection, preserve heart valve function, and prevent complications such as heart failure and stroke. Most individuals require hospitalization.
Early treatment significantly improves survival and long-term heart health.
Medical Treatment
- Intravenous antibiotics for several weeks
- Targeted antimicrobial therapy based on blood culture results
- Antifungal medications for fungal endocarditis
- Supportive treatment for heart failure or other complications
Surgical Treatment
- Heart valve repair when possible
- Heart valve replacement for severe valve damage
- Removal of infected prosthetic material when indicated
- Surgical treatment of complications such as abscess formation
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What is the Recovery Process for Endocarditis?
Recovery depends on the severity of the infection, the extent of heart valve damage, and how quickly treatment begins. Many individuals recover well with appropriate antibiotic therapy, while others may require heart valve surgery and long-term cardiology follow-up. Regular monitoring helps detect recurrence and manage any lasting heart problems.
Completing the full course of antibiotics, attending follow-up appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, informing healthcare providers about a history of endocarditis before invasive procedures, and seeking prompt medical care for recurrent fever or heart symptoms help support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Recovery Includes
- Completing the prescribed antibiotic course
- Attending regular cardiology and infectious disease follow-up visits
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
- Following postoperative instructions if heart valve surgery is performed
- Monitoring for recurrent fever or worsening heart symptoms
- Discussing antibiotic prophylaxis before certain dental or medical procedures if recommended by the healthcare provider
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Endocarditis be cured?
Many children with Endocarditis may need surgery to correct their heart issues, generally performed before the child reaches age Endocarditis can cause complications if the heart is not corrected; however, corrective surgery for Endocarditis performed in childhood does not cure the issue.
2. Can babies live with Endocarditis?
Most children with a Endocarditis surgical repair can live a healthy life.
3. What is the prognosis for Endocarditis?
The prognosis depends on the type of infection, the severity of heart damage, and how quickly treatment begins. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve outcomes.
4. When should I seek medical attention for Endocarditis?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent fever, chills, unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or signs of infection, especially if you have a heart valve disorder or other risk factors for Endocarditis. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
5. What will happen if the Endocarditis is left untreated?
If TOF is not treated, it can lead to irregular heartbeats, developmental delays, and seizures. If the condition is not treated, which is rare, it usually leads to fatality before age 20. Usually, a doctor will detect the disease early on and perform surgery to repair it.
