Do I Have Endocarditis?

Do you have any type of heart disease or damaged or diseased heart valves (e.g. rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve, a pacemaker)?

Do you use IV (intravenous) drugs?

Are you on hemodialysis for kidney failure?

Do you have a wound or cut that won't heal?

Do you have a fever over 100°F (38.4°C)?

Do you have sweats or chills, particularly night sweats?

Do you have a fast heart rate (increased puls)?

Do you have shortness of breath or a chest pain when you breathe?

Do you have a persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days?

Do you have aching joints and muscles?

Do you have swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen?

Do you have a sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones?

Do you have an unusual skin changes that may include: sore red or purple bumps on the fingers or toes or painless, tiny flat red spots on the skin, under fingernails, on the whites of your eyes, and inside your mouth?

Do you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?

Do you have an unexplained weight loss?

Do you have blood in your urine?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have endocarditis. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. Endocarditis is a medical condition that refers to an infection of the endocardium, usually caused by bacteria. In most cases, two types of bacteria cause infection, namely streptococci (strep) and staphylococci (staph). Healthy people rarely have endocarditis. It usually affects people with some form of pre-existing heart disease. It is more common in men than in women, and about 29,000 people in the US are diagnosed with endocarditis each year, according to the American Heart Association.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have endocarditis. Endocarditis is a medical condition characterized by an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves, called the endocardium. Bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms from other parts of your body (mouth, skin, intestines, and respiratory system) can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart. Healthy heart valves are usually resistant to infections. Bacteria attach to diseased parts of your heart, causing further damage. Diagnosing endocarditis is based on your medical history, physical examination and the results of diagnostic tests such as blood cultures and echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium usually caused by bacteria. The endocardium represents the inner lining of your heart. People who have certain valves problems are at higher risk of endocarditis. Some types of bacteria that normally live in your body can enter the bloodstream, settling on the heart valves. Bacteria produce toxins that can damage the valve tissue, causing holes on the valve that leads to impaired function of your heart. Endocarditis can cause serious complications and must be treated urgently. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and, in some cases, heart valve surgery.