Diagnosis of Endocarditis

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The first sign may be a new or previously unheard heart murmur, which can be heard by a doctor using a stethoscope.

A medical history may point to risk factors such as recent surgery. There may also be symptoms such as fever, tiny haemorrhages in the skin, and tender nodules on finger and toes.

A blood test may be done to isolate the specific organism responsible for the infection. This can be tested for its sensitivity to various types of antibiotics to determine the most effective for treatment.

An echocardiograph is used to check vegetations on the heart valves or elsewhere inside the heart, to look for abscesses inside the heart, and to find signs of damage to natural or artificial heart valves.