What is Infective Endocarditis?

It is an infection
of the endocardium, which is the membrane that
lines the inside of the heart, protecting it. As you can
imagine, an infection on the tissue that is supposed
to protect your heart will quickly become life-
threatening.

There are two types of infective endocarditis, acute and subacute.

- Acute IE develops quickly and becomes life-threatening in days if left untreated.
Symptoms of acute IE are a high fever, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate. It will also cause
extensive damage to heart valves.
-
- Subacute IE develops more slowly, over weeks and even months, but it is also fatal if
not treated. It will usually cause a mild fever, fatigue, a moderately fast heart rate,
sweating or night sweats, and low red blood cell count.

Normally, your heart is highly resistant to infection. This is partly

because the endocardium protects it, and partly because the
constant blood flow keeps bacteria and fungi from settling on the
structures of the heart. Unfortunately, some people are more
susceptible to infection, usually because they have certain heart
defects or diseases. The people most vulnerable to infective
endocarditis are those who have a prosthetic heart valve, pacemaker
or defibrillator, or have a weakened immune system.
Additionally, the microbe will enter the bloodstream
through open wound, dental or surgical procedures
and infected needle.

Prevention:
 Antibiotic prophylaxis after dental procedures
 Good oral hygiene
 Avoid use of toothpicks
 Avoid nail biting
 Avoid body piercing and tattoo
 Treat skin outbreak