Infective endocarditis
Infective endocarditis (IE), also called bacterial endocarditis, is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel. IE is uncommon, but people with some heart conditions have a greater risk of developing it.Risk factors for developing IE include: -Heart valve disease -Previous heart valve surgery -Congenital heart disease -Intravenous drug use -Previous history of IE There are two forms of infective endocarditis, also known as IE: Acute IE — develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days Subacute or chronic IE (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months. The symptoms of acute IE usually begin with fever (102°–104°), chills, fast heart rate, fatigue, night sweats, aching joints and muscles, persistent cough, or swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen. The symptoms of chronic IE may include fatigue, mild fever (99°–101°), a moderately fast heart rate, weight loss, sweating, and a low red blood cell count (anemia). Treatment usually consists of IV antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic and the length of treatment is based on the type of infection causing the endocarditis.