Bacterial, or infective, endocarditis (BE) is a type of infection. It occurs in the valves and inner lining of your heart (called the endocardium). BE is not common but can happen if bacteria from another part of your body enter your bloodstream.
BE can be acute or chronic. Acute BE happens quickly and can get worse fast. If left untreated, it can be life threatening. Chronic BE happens over time. It may take weeks or months to notice symptoms.
Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms may be signs of acute BE. You also may have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of chronic BE can include fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Although BE can occur in anyone, some people are at greater risk. This includes people who have:
If you have one of these factors, talk to your doctor about your risk of BE. Dental work, including a teeth cleaning, and some medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy, can increase the risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream.
Your doctor may suspect you have BE based on your symptoms and health history. They will need to do tests to diagnose it. These include blood tests and an echocardiography (echo). An echo test checks your heart using ultrasound.
You cannot always prevent BE. However, you should talk to your doctor if you are at risk. If you need to have dental work or a procedure, you may need to take an antibiotic first. Doing so can keep bacteria from getting into your bloodstream.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for BE. They often are given intravenously (through an IV) in the hospital. You may be able to finish treatment at home. Severe cases of BE may require heart surgery.
A possible side effect of BE is heart failure. This occurs when your heart has a hard time pumping blood. Other complications of BE include damage to your heart muscles, blood clots, and an abnormal heartbeat. If BE isn’t treated, it can lead to death.
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