Endocarditis wikipedia

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Endocarditis
Prevalence Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatments Doctors
MSN Health
Endocarditis - Overview
Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Usually caused by bacterial infection.
Urgent medical attention is usually recommended by healthcare providers
Can be dangerous or life threatening if untreated
Rare (Fewer than 200,000 cases per year in US)
Treatable by a medical professional
Requires lab test or imaging
Can last several days or weeks
Common for ages 60 and older
More common in males
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Causes
They can get into the bloodstream through:
Bacteria in other parts of the body, e.g., mouth, throat, and the gut may travel through the bloodstream to the heart and multiply in the endocardium (inner lining of the heart chambers) causing endocarditis.
Poor oral hygiene
Gum disease
Catheterization - a long term use of catheters (tube to inject or remove fluids from the body) as in case of dialysis
Catheterisation - a long term use of catheters (tube to inject or remove fluids from the body) as in case of dialysis
Sexually transmitted diseases
Using a contaminated needle
Risk factors include:
Artificial heart valves
Intravenous drug abuse
Damaged heart valves
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Symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms.
Symptoms depend on the disease causing organisms and can vary from person to person. The common symptoms include:
Heart murmur - an abnormal heart beat sound
Muscles and joint aches
Fever and chills
Shortness of breath
Swollen feet
Red spots on soles and palms
Osler nodes - red, painful, raised lesions on hands and feet
Petechiae - purple or red spots in the whites of the eyes, skin and inside the mouth
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What is infective endocarditis?
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner surface of the heart (endocardium), usually the valves. [ 1 ]
en.wikipedia.org
Treatment
Treatment involves medication and if necessary, surgery.
Medication
Antibiotics: Reduce the infection. Recommended if endocarditis is caused by bacteria.
Penicillin
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Microsoft Start Health
Diagnosis
One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
Diagnosis involves several tests to confirm the condition.
Common tests & procedures
Blood test: Used to identify bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream.
CT scan: To check whether infection has spread to lungs, brain or any other areas.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Done to check whether the infection has spread to lungs or brain.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Detects the abnormal electric activity of the heart.
X-ray: Used to detect cardiac enlargement.
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Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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Table of Contents
Overview
Causes
Symptoms
What is infective endocarditis?
Treatment
Health guide
Diagnosis