Signs and Symptoms of Endocarditis

The signs and symptoms of endocarditis are quite variable depending on the causative organism and which part of the heart is infected. The infection progresses silently and may not be recognized until symptoms arise. Often the symptoms are quite vague and can mimic the common flu.

It is not uncommon for the disease to go undiagnosed; therefore, the first indication of the presence of endocarditis may be the patient presents to the hospital after experiencing congestive heart failure or a septic embolism to the lungs, kidneys, or brain. Due to the severity of such complications, it is extremely important that any patient who has risk factors for the disease should be closely monitored by their physician. If endocarditis is suspected, it is imperative to undergo appropriate testing to confirm diagnosis and seek treatment as quickly as possible to avoid the tragic consequences of undiagnosed endocarditis.

Splinter hemorrhages

Symptoms of endocarditis can include:

• Fever, chills or night sweats
• Weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Anemia
• Muscle aches; joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart murmur
• Splinter hemorrhages under the nails
• Janeway lesions
• Osler’s Nodes

Janeway Lesions- red painless skin spots located on the palms and soles of the feet.	Osler’s Nodes- Red, painful nodes in the pads of the fingers and toes.