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Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is an infection that can seriously damage heart valves and cause other serious
complications if it is not treated quickly with antibiotics. Surgery to replace, or repair, damaged
valves is also often needed. If you are at increased risk of this infection, do report promptly to your
doctor any symptoms that you think may be due to infective endocarditis. The earlier the condition is
diagnosed and treated, the better the likely outcome.
Page 2 of 5
Most bacteria that get into the bloodstream are killed by the immune system. However, sometimes some bacteria
survive and settle on a heart valve (particularly if the valve is already damaged in some way), or on another
section of the endocardium. Once a small focus of infection develops in the endocardium it is difficult for the
immune system to clear it.
In time, small clumps of material called vegetations may develop on infected valves. The vegetations contain
bacteria or fungi, small blood clots, and other debris from the infection. The vegetations may prevent affected
valves from opening and closing properly. The infection can also damage affected valves, and may spread to
other areas of the endocardium or heart tissue. Fragments of the vegetations may also break off and travel in the
bloodstream to other parts of the body.
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Surgery
Antibiotic treatment is all that is required in many cases. However, an operation is needed in up to half of cases
when the infection is more severe. An operation can be life-saving. Operations that may be done include:
Replacing a damaged valve with an artificial valve.
Valve repair if the damage is less severe and repair is possible.
Drainage of any abscesses (collections of pus) that may develop in the heart muscle or in other parts
of the body.
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Dental health
Good oral and dental hygiene is also thought to be important. In particular, if you have any condition which
increases your risk of developing infective endocarditis (see above), then, don't let any dental problems, such as
a dental abscess or gum disease, go untreated. These dental conditions increase the chance of bacteria getting
into the bloodstream.
A final point
If you have an increased risk of developing infective endocarditis, do report promptly to your doctor any
symptoms that you think may be due to infective endocarditis. The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated,
the better the likely outcome.
Page 5 of 5
Brusch JL et al; Infective Endocarditis, Medscape, Sep 2012
Guidelines on Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infective Endocarditis; European Society of Cardiology (2009)
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical
conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its
accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
For details see our conditions.
Original Author:
Dr Tim Kenny
Current Version:
Dr Colin Tidy
Peer Reviewer:
Dr Hannah Gronow
Document ID:
4680 (v44)
Last Checked:
20/11/2012
Next Review:
20/11/2015