Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, the membrane that lines the inside of the four chambers or the heart valves.

Typically endocarditis is caused by bacteria, frequently by group A strep. However, infections by other types of bacteria are on the rise as well as other microorganisms including fungi and viruses (1).

Risk Factors?

Endocarditis rarely occurs in people with normal hearts. However, if you have certain preexisting factors you are at an increased risk of developing endocarditis.

• Pre-existing structural abnormalities in the heart or valves.
• Immune Compromised (e.g. diabetes, HIV, cancer)
• IV drug users
• Prosthetic heart valves
• Pre-existing heart disease
• History of previous endocarditis

Complications of Endocarditis

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the mortality rate for endocarditis runs about 50%. If left untreated patients could die. Possible complications include:

• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Atrial fibrillation
• Emboli (traveling blood clots or bacterial/fungal vegetations) to the brain, kidneys, lungs, or abdomen.
• Abscesses in the heart