About this topic
The inner lining of the heart is the endocardium. If it is swollen or there is an infection of the lining, you have endocarditis. The heart valves may be involved as well. This illness may cause damage to the heart or other organs. Germs are a common cause of this illness. Other causes may include: ‚
- Dental work
- Drug use with needles
- Prior man-made heart valves
- Heart issues at birth
- Prior heart procedures or surgery
- Rheumatic fever
- Infection during tattooing or body piercing
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Finish all antibiotics, even if you feel better!
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may have to get more tests like: ‚
- Echocardiogram
- Blood work
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take all of your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop taking your drugs until you finish your whole treatment program. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood clots
- Infection in the brain
- Brain or nervous system changes
- Congestive heart failure
- Problems with your kidneys
- Jaundice
- Heart valve damage
- Stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep healthy teeth and gums. Brush and floss your teeth 2 times each day. See your dentist regularly.
- If you currently have a heart problem, let your doctor know before you go to the dentist.
- Do not engage in body piercing and tattooing.
- Seek treatment if you use I.V. drugs. Do not share needles or other supplies.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or sweating.
- Chest pain
- Blood in the urine
- Breathing problems
- Losing weight and you dont know why
- Weakness, tiredness, or numbness
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how long I need to take antibiotics.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain, trouble breathing, or feel weak or tired.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/endo/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/724/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚