Infective Endocarditis

A damage in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves usually caused by a bacteria, fungi or other germs from another part of the body that spread through the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. It is uncommon to people with healthy hearts, while those with damaged heart valves, artificial heart valves or other heart defects are of greater risks.

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Symptoms of endocarditis are not always severe, and they may develop slowly over time. In the early stages of endocarditis, the symptoms are similar to many other illnesses. This is why many cases go undiagnosed. Many of the symptoms are similar to cases of the flu or general infections, such as pneumonia. However, some people experience severe symptoms that appear suddenly, such as: swollen feet, shortness of breath, blood in the urine or an enlarged spleen, which may be tender to touch. These symptoms may be due to inflammation or the damage it causes.