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Endocarditis: What Causes This Heart Inflammation Condition?
Endocarditis is a rare, potentially fatal infection of the endocardium, or inner lining of the heart. It is usually caused by bacteria traveling through the bloodstream to the heart and is treated by IV antibiotics or heart valve replacement surgery.
As strange as it may sound, advances in medical technology are responsible for a growing number of cases of endocarditis.
Only around 3–10 people in every 100,000 will develop endocarditis each year. But the number of individuals affected by endocarditis has been growing in recent years because more people are getting heart valve replacement or having surgery for congenital heart disease.
Endocarditis, also known as infectious endocarditis, is an infection of the endocardium, or inner lining of the heart.
For most healthy individuals, the heart is well protected from infection. But for those with artificial materials in their heart or a condition that weakens their heart, it's important to keep an eye out for symptoms of this potentially fatal condition.
Endocarditis is typically caused by bacteria. (Streptococci, staphylococci, and enterococci infections cause about 80-90% of endocarditis cases.)
The bacteria that cause endocarditis may enter your body through a cut in your skin, a needle injection site, surgery, or even dental work. After entering your body, the bacteria travels through your bloodstream to your heart. After reaching the heart, it can get trapped in the lining or attach to valves and grow. If bacteria continue to grow, it can cause inflammation and damage your heart's valves.
In addition to damaging the heart, small clumps of bacteria may form at the infection site. In some cases, they can act like a blood clot and travel through the body. They may potentially block the blood supply to an organ, which can result in organ failure or a stroke.
In very rare cases, endocarditis may be due to a fungal infection instead of bacteria. These cases are usually harder to treat and more serious. Individuals with weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV or chemotherapy may be unable to prevent the fungal infection from growing in their body and are at greater risk for this type of endocarditis.
Symptoms of endocarditis may include:
Many of the symptoms of endocarditis are common with other health conditions, so it's important for doctors to rule out other potential health concerns through blood testing and scans. If endocarditis continues untreated, it may lead to other life threatening conditions like:
Men are two times more likely than women to experience endocarditis.
Individuals may be at a greater risk for endocarditis if they have:
People 65 and older also have a greater risk of developing endocarditis because changes to the heart valves that occur over time may create additional spots for germs to attach.
It's important to keep in mind that endocarditis is rare, and most healthy individuals are not at high risk for this condition.
Endocarditis is a rare, but potentially fatal infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart. It's typically caused by a bacterial infection that travels through the bloodstream to your heart.
If you are showing signs of endocarditis, it's important to get medical assistance right away. Serious conditions like sepsis, stroke, and heart failure can develop if it's not treated quickly.
Eight Common Symptoms Of Myocarditis - 'Contact Your Doctor Straight Away'
Myocarditis: Expert discusses vaccine side effectThe heart is one of our vital organs, and the primary organ of the circulatory system that works to pump blood around the body.
It also controls the rhythm and speed of your heart rate and maintains your blood pressure.
Therefore, any problems with the heart can be potentially dangerous and affect the whole body.
Many heart issues can be linked back to lifestyle habits, with poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking all linked to risk factors such as high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
However, there is one disease that affects the heart that can be beyond our control.
Myocarditis causes inflammation of the heart muscle, and is typically brought on by an infection in the body such as a cold, flu or even Covid.
While many patients make a full recovery, it can also lead to scarring and damage to the organ.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explains: "Myocarditis can develop suddenly (acutely), can be recurring or it can be long-lasting (chronic).
"Most people will recover without any lasting effects. But in rare cases, if the inflammation is severe, myocarditis can scar the heart muscle.
"This damage means the heart has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body.
"In some cases, this can result in the heart muscle becoming bigger, and over time, weaker."
If you think you have myocarditis it is important you seek medical help as soon as possible to prevent or minimise damage to the heart.
According to the BHF there are eight common symptoms to look out for.
These include:
The BHF says: "If you think you have symptoms of myocarditis, contact your doctor straight away, or call NHS 111.
"Getting diagnosed and treated early can help you feel better and lower your risk of long-term complications from myocarditis."
However, in some cases people won't experience symptoms and it will be picked up during a routine examination.
Causes of myocarditisThe BHF warns that the most common cause of the disease is a virus, such as the flu or COVID-19, or another viral infection.
"When myocarditis is caused by a virus, symptoms can start to show one or two weeks later," it says.
"This is because the immune system, the body's own natural defence system, overreacts to being infected with a virus, and causes inflammation.
"This inflammation can stay in the heart even after the virus has gone."
However, other causes include:
Knowing The Symptoms Of An Ankylosing Spondylitis Flare-Up
Knowing when you might have a flare-up and what to expect can help you manage your AS. Once you recognize the symptoms of a flare-up, you can take steps to ease them and avoid triggers.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of autoimmune arthritis that typically affects the joints in your spine, hips, and lower back. This condition causes inflammation, which can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and other symptoms.
Like other kinds of arthritis, AS can sometimes flare. A flare-up happens when symptoms worsen. During a flare-up, you might need more care and treatment than you need at other times. Remission or partial remission is when you have fewer, milder, or no symptoms.
You can talk with your doctor about the best ways to help prevent and soothe your symptoms. There are several ways to ease symptoms and treat AS.
Flare-ups and their symptoms can differ for every person with AS.
Most people with this condition start to notice symptoms at ages 17–45. Symptoms can also begin during childhood or older adulthood. AS is 2.5 times more common in men than in women.
There are two main kinds of AS flare-ups:
Symptoms of AS flare-ups may change depending on how long you've had the condition.
Pain in your lower back, hips, and buttocksPain may begin gradually over a few weeks or months. You may feel discomfort on only one side or on alternating sides. The pain normally feels dull, not sharp, and spreads over the area.
The pain is usually worse in the mornings and at night. Resting or being inactive may worsen the pain.
StiffnessYou may have stiffness in your lower back, hips, and buttocks area. Your back may feel stiff, and it might be slightly difficult to stand up after sitting or lying down. Stiffness is typically worse in the morning and at night and improves during the day. It may get worse during rest or inactivity.
Neck pain and stiffnessThe Spondylitis Association of America notes that women may be more likely to have symptoms that start in the neck instead of the lower back.
FatigueInflammation and pain can lead to fatigue and tiredness. Your fatigue may worsen if you experience disturbed sleep at night due to pain and discomfort. Reducing inflammation can help manage fatigue.
Other symptomsInflammation, pain, and discomfort can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and a mild fever during flare-ups. Managing pain and inflammation can help ease these symptoms.
Long-term AS flare-ups typically cause signs and symptoms in more than one part of your body.
Chronic back painAn AS flare-up may cause chronic back pain over time. You may feel dull to burning pain on both sides of your lower back, buttocks, and hips. Chronic pain can last for 3 months or longer.
Pain in other areasPain can spread to other joints over a few months or years. You may have pain and tenderness in your middle to upper back, neck, shoulder blades, ribs, thighs, and heels.
StiffnessYou may also have more stiffness in your body over time. Stiffness may spread to your upper back, neck, shoulders, and rib cage. It may be worse in the mornings and get only slightly better during the day. You may also have muscle spasms.
Loss of flexibilityYou may lose flexibility in some of your joints, including those in your back and hips. Long-term inflammation in and around your joints can fuse or join bones together. This makes your joints stiff, painful, and hard to move.
Difficulty breathingBones in your rib cage can also fuse or join together. Your rib cage is designed to be flexible to help you breathe. If your rib joints become stiffer, it may be harder for your chest and lungs to expand. This may make your chest feel tight.
Difficulty movingAS can affect even more joints over time. You may have pain and swelling in your hips, knees, ankles, heels, and toes. This can make it difficult to stand, sit, and walk.
Stiff fingersAS flare-ups may spread to your fingers over time. This can make your finger joints stiff, swollen, and painful. You may have difficulty moving your fingers, typing, and holding or opening things.
Eye inflammationAS is a risk factor for eye inflammation, a condition called iritis or uveitis. This condition causes redness, pain, blurry vision, and floaters in one or both eyes. Your eyes may also be sensitive to bright light.
Lung and heart inflammationIn rare cases, AS flare-ups may affect your heart and lungs over time.
AS is known to be caused by certain infectious organisms, stress, and traumatic injuries. These factors can also trigger a flare-up, along with fatigue, mood changes, and lack of sleep.
It's not always possible to prevent or regulate flare-ups. Some people with AS may feel that their flare-ups have certain triggers. Knowing your triggers, if you have any, may help you prevent flare-ups.
In a 2002 study that included 214 people with AS, 80% of participants said they felt that stress triggered their flare-ups.
The duration and frequency of flare-ups vary among people with AS.
In one 2010 study, researchers followed 134 people with AS for 3 months. Seventy percent of the participants reported a flare-up in any given week, though only 12% reported a major generalized flare in any given week.
Flare-ups may last from a few days to 3 months or longer.
Treatment will depend on what type of symptoms you experience and how severe they are. Here are some possible treatments to help during flare-ups:
Healthy lifestyle habits may also help you manage flares. For example, regular exercise and physical therapy may help reduce pain and stiffness.
If you smoke, it may be beneficial to try to quit. People with AS who smoke are at higher risk of spine damage. AS can also affect your heart, and you may have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke if you smoke. It's a good idea to avoid secondhand smoke as well.
Take all medications exactly as prescribed to help prevent and soothe flare-ups. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications that help manage inflammation. This may help prevent or ease flare-ups. Drugs used to treat AS include:
Any disorder or condition can lead to emotional symptoms. You can talk with your doctor about your emotions or seek the help of a mental health professional.
Getting involved with a support group can help you feel more in control of your treatment. Talking with other people who have AS can help you find the best way to manage the condition for yourself. You can also join an AS organization to stay up to date on health research.
Your experience with AS flare-ups will not be the same as someone else's experience with this condition. Pay attention to your body. You may find it helpful to keep a daily journal of your symptoms, your treatments, and any possible triggers you notice.
Tell your doctor if you think a treatment is helping to prevent flares or reduce symptoms or if you feel that a certain treatment isn't helping you. Something that worked for you before may no longer work over time. Your doctor may need to change your treatments as your AS changes.
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