Endocarditis is an infection by microorganisms of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. Infection can occur in parts of the heart that have been damaged. If endocarditis is not treated immediately, this condition can damage the heart valves, and trigger dangerous complications.
Generally, endocarditis is classified as a rare disease. Endocarditis also doesn't attack a healthy heart. However, this disease is prone to occur in individuals with certain heart conditions or diseases. For example, people with congenital heart disease, people with cardiomyopathy, and someone with a prosthetic heart valve.
Causes of endocarditis
Endocarditis is caused by microorganisms that enter the bloodstream from mucosal surfaces, skin or focal sites of infection. One of the factors causing endocarditis infection is interference with the teeth and oral cavity. Sometimes, broken teeth and cavities can be a route for germs to enter blood vessels and eventually reach the heart. In addition, there are several other things that can also trigger endocarditis, namely gynecological obstetric measures and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Endocarditis symptoms
Symptoms of endocarditis can develop slowly over weeks or months ( subacute endocarditis ). Symptoms of endocarditis can also occur suddenly within a few days ( acute endocarditis ). This depends on the germs that cause the infection, and whether the patient has heart problems. Symptoms can also vary for each patient, namely:
- Fever, chills, pale skin
- Night sweats
- Weakness and headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Decreased appetite
- Chest pain especially when breathing
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Cough
- Heart murmur
- Swelling of the legs or abdomen.
In rare cases, other symptoms that may appear are:
- Confused ( mental confusion ).
- Losing weight for no reason
- Splenomegaly or enlarged spleen
- There is blood in the urine
- Red spots accompanied by pain in the palms and soles
- Red bumps under the skin, on the fingers and toes
- Purple or red spots on the skin, whites of the eyes, or inside the mouth
How to treat endocarditis
- Giving antibiotics by a doctor
Examples of initial treatment options for endocarditis are the antibiotics vancomycin and gentamicin. However, the type of antibiotic given to treat endocarditis must still be adjusted to the type of germ causing the infection. Generally, patients will be given injectable antibiotics while in the hospital. Treatment may last 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the patient.
- Surgical procedure
Surgery is performed for long-standing infectious endocarditis, or for endocarditis caused by a fungal infection. Surgical procedures are performed to remove dead tissue, fluid buildup, and scar tissue from the infected area. The doctor will also perform surgery, if the condition of the patient's heart valve is damaged. Depending on the patient's condition, the doctor can repair or replace the heart valve.
How to prevent endocarditis
Endocarditis prevention can be done by avoiding various behaviors that can increase the risk of endocarditis. Namely by maintaining dental hygiene and avoiding behaviors that can trigger skin infections. For example, getting tattoos, body piercing, or injecting drug abuse.
In patients with a history of endocarditis, heart surgery, or heart defects, it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms of endocarditis, such as fever that lasts a long time, weakness for no reason, and open wounds that don't heal. Immediately consult a doctor to avoid various complications, such as heart failure, abscess formation (collection of pus) in the heart, brain and lungs, stroke, seizures, pulmonary embolism, kidney damage, splenomegaly or enlarged spleen.
Article reviewed by dr. Heri Hernawan, Sp. JP FIHA (Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).