2. Introduction To Infective Endocarditis
A Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Hospital Physicians,
Aiman Hamdan, MD, worked as a cardiologist at Advanced Medical in New Jersey. Aiman
Hamdan is also a co-author of many medical articles, including “Acute Myocardial Infarction
Caused by Infective Endocarditis.”
3. Introduction To Infective Endocarditis
An infection of the endocardial lining of the heart that may cover one or more valves, infective
endocarditis has long-lasting health effects. If left untreated, infective endocarditis usually becomes
fatal. The condition is often caused by the presence of bacteria (or sometimes fungi or other
microorganisms) in the bloodstream that may cause inflammation of heart tissue. The causative
organisms can find their way to the host bloodstream through mouth, intestines, skin, urinary tract,
and respiratory tract.
4. Introduction To Infective Endocarditis
While it varies from person to person, symptoms may be slow or abrupt. Common symptoms
include white spots on tongue, chest pain, weakness, fever, hematuria (the presence of blood in
urine), sweating, cough, and weight loss.
5. Introduction To Infective Endocarditis
During diagnosis, the doctor may check for sounds of a murmur in the patient’s heart. If infective
endocarditis is suspected, the doctor will test a sample of the patient’s blood for bacteria and may
also carry out a complete blood count test on the patient to check for anemia, which can result
from infective endocarditis. Imaging of the patient's heart can also be done to check for holes or
damaged tissue in the heart valve and to check for spread. Once a person is diagnosed with
infective endocarditis, the person will be admitted to a hospital for immediate treatment.
6. Introduction To Infective Endocarditis
If detected early, infective endocarditis can be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics. In severe
cases where the heart valve becomes damaged, the patient may have to undergo surgery. Surgery
may also be considered if antibiotics fail to work.
