Patients who have had a heart valve replaced or who have a damaged valve are at increased risk of developing endocarditis. This bacterial infection, which can affect a single valve or all four of them, may be caused by having dental work or a colonoscopy performed. People at risk for endocarditis may be given antibiotics before having these types of procedures to protect them from developing the condition.
Symptoms of Endocarditis
Signs that may indicate endocarditis include the following:
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle Aches
- Night Sweats
- Shortness of Breath
- Skin Lesions
- Swelling in the Lower Extremities (Edema)
- Weakness
Treatment for Endocarditis
When a patient is diagnosed with endocarditis, the infection is treated aggressively with antibiotics. The medication is usually given intravenously over a period of between four and six weeks. Endocarditis can damage the heart valves, and in some cases, patients may require surgery to correct the damage or to replace the valve itself.
