Endocarditis

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Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers, heart muscles and heart valves (endocardium). Anyone can develop endocarditis, but you are most at risk if you have underlying heart valve disease or have certain congenital heart diseases.

Bacterial infection is the most common source of endocarditis. Bacteria from the skin, mouth or intestines enter the bloodstream and infect the heart valves and lining. In many cases, these organisms are streptococci or staphylococci bacteria. However, fungi, viruses or other infectious agents are occasionally the cause.

The immune system usually kills these organisms, but sometimes they survive and affect the heart valve or another section of the endocardium. This can cause build up of nodules, or vegetations, on the valves.

Dental surgery, some medical procedures (such as colonoscopy), permanent central venous access lines, and intravenous drug use, increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Endocarditis is an uncommon but serious condition, which can be life threatening.