Endocarditis Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment And Complications

Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, named endocardium. Heart is the vital body organ. The heart has three layers, endocardium, myocardium and pericardium. Endocardium is made up of endothelial tissues and it continues to all blood vessels. It plays a role in the formation of valves of the heart. It gives a shiny appearance to the inner surface of the heart. If the endocarditis is caused by bacteria, then it is called infective endocarditis.

Causes

Bacterial infection is the most common cause of endocarditis such as streptococci, enterococci and staphylococci. Gram negative rods such as escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella and haemophilus aphrophilus can also cause endocarditis. It can also be caused by fungi such as candida and aspergillus species. Chlamydia, bartonella and legionella also have the ability to cause endocarditis.  In some cases, no cause of endocarditis can be found. Congenital heart defect, intravenous drug addiction, new heart valve and abnormal heart valve can also increase the chances for the development of endocarditis.

Symptoms

The general symptoms of endocarditis includes,

• High body temperature
• Chills
• Headache
• Loss of vision
• Ischemia
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Malaise
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Clubbing or rounding of nails

Risk factors

The important risk factors that increase the chances of development of endocarditis are,

• Previous history of heart damage
• Heart surgery
• Dental procedures
• Intubations
• Abortions
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases
• Intestinal surgery
• Presence of prosthetic valves

Treatment

Antibiotics are used for the treatment of endocarditis such as ampicillin, gentamicin and flucloxacillin. They are given through intravenous administration. Analgesics are also prescribed for the reduction of severity of inflammation of endocardium. Oxygen therapy should also be given if the patient has poor intake of oxygen. Inotropic drugs such as digoxin are also used to improve the contractions of the heart. Morphine is given to reduce the anxiety in patients with endocarditis. Surgery can also be performed if complications occur as a result of endocarditis. Surgery may be performed to repair or replace a damaged or abnormal heart valve.

Complications

The complications of endocarditis are,

• Shock
• Stroke
• Congestive heart failure
• Embolism
• Kidney damage
• Enlarged spleen
• Heart valve damage