Endocarditis
Introduction
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner layer of the heart (endocardium) or an infection of the heart valves. Endocarditis can cause growths inside the heart or on the heart valves. Over time these growths can destroy heart tissue and cause heart failure or problems with heart rhythm. They can also cause stroke if they break away and form a blood clot in the brain. Early treatment offers the best chance for curing endocarditis and preventing complications.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
Germs that normally live in or on your body. The germs that most commonly cause endocarditis are bacteria.
Fungi.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in people who have:
A heart defect.
Artificial …show more content…
Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Do not use IV drugs unless it is part of your medical treatment.
Lifestyle
Do not get tattoos or body piercings.
Practice good oral hygiene. This includes:
Brushing and flossing regularly.
Scheduling routine dental appointments.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for non-pregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1½ oz. of hard liquor.
General instructions
Let your health care provider know before you have any dental or surgical procedures. You may need to take antibiotics before the procedure.
Let all your health care providers, including your dentist, know that you have had endocarditis.
Gradually resume your usual activities.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have a fever.
Your symptoms do not improve.
Your symptoms get worse.
Your symptoms come back.
Get help right away if:
You have trouble breathing.
You have chest
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner layer of the heart (endocardium) or an infection of the heart valves. Endocarditis can cause growths inside the heart or on the heart valves. Over time these growths can destroy heart tissue and cause heart failure or problems with heart rhythm. They can also cause stroke if they break away and form a blood clot in the brain. Early treatment offers the best chance for curing endocarditis and preventing complications.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
Germs that normally live in or on your body. The germs that most commonly cause endocarditis are bacteria.
Fungi.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in people who have:
A heart defect.
Artificial …show more content…
Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Do not use IV drugs unless it is part of your medical treatment.
Lifestyle
Do not get tattoos or body piercings.
Practice good oral hygiene. This includes:
Brushing and flossing regularly.
Scheduling routine dental appointments.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for non-pregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1½ oz. of hard liquor.
General instructions
Let your health care provider know before you have any dental or surgical procedures. You may need to take antibiotics before the procedure.
Let all your health care providers, including your dentist, know that you have had endocarditis.
Gradually resume your usual activities.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have a fever.
Your symptoms do not improve.
Your symptoms get worse.
Your symptoms come back.
Get help right away if:
You have trouble breathing.
You have chest