Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Bacterial endocarditis does not occur very often, but when it does, it can cause serious heart damage.
How does the infection occur?
Bacterial endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach inside the heart, where they multiply and cause infection.
A normal heart has a smooth lining, making it difficult for bacteria to stick to it. However, if you have structural heart conditions or damage, you may have a rough area on the heart lining. These rough areas inside the heart invite bacteria to build up and multiply.
How does the bacteria get inside the body?
Bacteria can enter the body in many ways. Some of the most common ways include the following:
- Dental procedures (including professional teeth cleaning)
- Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
- Examination of the respiratory passageways with an instrument known as a rigid bronchoscope
- Certain types of surgery on the respiratory passageways, the gastrointestinal tract, or the urinary tract
- Gallbladder or prostate surgery
Who is at risk for bacterial endocarditis?
People with congenital heart disease may be at increased risk of developing an infection inside the heart. Congenital conditions are those where the structure of the heart developed abnormally in the womb. They have therefore been present since birth. These conditions can sometimes cause turbulent blood flow through heart chambers, as can areas or surgical repair with artificial materials, such as patches or valve replacements.
How is bacterial endocarditis diagnosed?
- Echocardiogram (echo). A procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.
- Complete blood count (CBC). A measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.
- Blood culture. A test that assesses for and determines the specific type of bacteria in the bloodstream, if any.