Bacterial Endocarditis

(Infective Endocarditis)

What is Bacterial Endocarditis?

Bacterial Endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart valves or the inner lining of the heart.  It can occur whenever bacteria enter your bloodstream and attach to the heart.  Bacterial Endocarditis is a real threat to some patients with certain forms of heart disease which is why prevention is so important.

The risk of adverse outcomes from Bacterial Endocarditis might be reduced by taking pre-procedure antibiotics.  Your physician will determine if you need antibiotics given either intravenous (IV) or if you need the pill form. 

Who is at risk

Patients with the following diagnoses are at risk for Bacterial Endocarditis:

• Prosthetic cardiac valve surgery
• Previous history of Bacterial Endocarditis
• Congenital heart abnormalities unrepaired or repaired with prosthetic material with other defects
• Certain cardiac transplant patients-discuss with your cardiologist
• Cardiac transplant recipients with cardiac valvular disease

When and Why You are at Risk

Bacteria may enter the bloodstream through some surgical or dental procedures, such as:

• Dental cleaning, extraction
• Periodontal & endodontic procedures
• Bronchoscopy with incision involving respiratory tract
• Surgeries involving respiratory tract
• Not all procedures require pre-treatment medication.  Check with physician performing the procedures. 

Signs/Symptoms of Infection

Do not wait a few days until you have a major infection to seek treatment.  A cold or flu does not cause endocarditis.  Other infections that may have the same symptoms (sore throat, general body aches, and fever) do.  To be safe, call your doctor.

Signs & symptoms of infection: 

• Fever over 100.0 (38.0 C)
• Sweats or chills
• Skin rash
• Wound or cut that will not heal
• Red, warm or draining sore
• Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
• Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones.
• Persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days
• White patches in your mouth or on your tongue
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

How to Reduce Your Risk

Prior to any invasive procedure, please notify your physician or dentist of your heart disease and the medication you are currently taking.  Your physician or dentist will be able to determine if an antibiotic should be prescribed for you.  If you are unsure if you need an antibiotic for a procedure you are having or need a prescription, please consult with your cardiologist or the cardiac nurse.

American Heart Association - 2008

Version 12