Cardiac infections Flashcards
ENDOCARDITIS:
What is it?
Endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium).
It’s most commonly caused by bacteria entering the blood and travelling to the heart.
What are risk factors of endocarditis?
congenital heart disease
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
damaged heart valves
previous endocarditis infections
artificial heart valve
men
elderly
What are symptoms of endocarditis?
a high temperature
chills
headache
joint and muscle pain
What are complications of endocarditis?
If not treated-
the infection damages the heart valves and disrupts the normal flow of blood through the heart. leading to
HF
Stroke
What is treatment of endocarditis?
Amoxicillin +/- low dose gentamicin
Vancomycin in MRSA/penicillin allergy
Benzylpenicillin in streptococci
