|
|
Endocarditis
Alternate Names : Valve Infection
Definition An inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Endocarditis can involve the heart muscle, heart valves, or lining of the heart. Most people who develop endocarditis have underlying valvular heart disease.
Injection drug use, recent dental surgery, permanent central venous access lines, prior valve surgery, and weakened valves are risk factors for developing endocarditis.
Bacterial infection is the most common source of endocarditis. However, it can also be caused by fungi. In some cases, no causative organism can be identified.
Related topics:
Today's Top News Stories | • | Air Travel Taxes Hearts of People With Sleep Apnea - May 18, 2008, 09:00
They experience higher heart rates and more demand for oxygen, study found. | • | Prostate Cancer Vaccine Looks Promising in Early Trial - May 18, 2008, 09:00
Could help men with metastatic, recurring disease, researchers say. | • | Depression, PTSD Common Among Lung Transplant Patient Caregivers - May 18, 2008, 09:00
They're 4 to 5 times more likely to suffer symptoms, but trained counselors could help. | • | Sen. Edward Kennedy Hospitalized After Seizure - May 17, 2008, 16:51
His carotid artery was cleared of a partial blockage last fall. | • | Cheaper Earrings More Likely to Contain Nickel - May 17, 2008, 09:00
But report could not establish safe-limit price as guide for avoiding exposure. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Endocarditis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Endocarditis Symptoms & Signs
• Endocarditis Prevention
• Endocarditis Diagnosis & Tests
• Endocarditis Treatment
• Endocarditis Prognosis
• Endocarditis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Anemia
• Arrhythmias
• Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter
• Blood Clots
• Brain Abscess
• Culture-Negative Endocarditis
• Glomerulonephritis
• Heart Disease
• Heart Failure
• Infectious Endocarditis
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• Blood Culture
• CBC
• Chest X-Ray
• Echocardiogram
• ESR
Other Topics
• Acute
• Breathing Difficulty
• Central Nervous System
• Chest Pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
• Heartbeat Sensations
• Intravenous
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Aches
• Muscle Cramps
• Nail Abnormalities
• Numbness and Tingling
• Paleness
• Physical Examination
• Respiratory
• Splenomegaly
• Splinter Hemorrhages
• Sweating - Excessive
• Urine - Abnormal Color
• Urine - Bloody
• Weakness
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 2/27/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
