endocarditis_

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1 Investigation on Endocarditis Student's Name Institution Course Date

2 Abstract Endocarditis is a serious infection that affects the heart valves and inner lining of the heart. It is caused by bacteria or other microorganisms that enter the bloodstream and attach to the heart. There are three types of Endocarditis: acute, subacute, and chronic, each with different symptoms and progression. Diagnosis is made through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, and a biopsy of the infected area. Treatment includes antibiotics, surgery, and other necessary interventions. To prevent Endocarditis, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid risky behaviours, receive prophylactic antibiotics before certain medical procedures, get vaccinations, and have regular check-ups. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes for patients with Endocarditis. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist or infectious disease specialist can also prevent the recurrence of the disease. Key terms: Endocarditis, Diagnosis, echocardiogram

3 Investigation on Endocarditis Introduction Endocarditis is an infection that affects the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, and the heart valves. It is often caused by bacteria or other microorganisms that enter the bloodstream and attach to the heart valves or other structures. The number of cases of Endocarditis is increasing due to an ageing population and an increase in certain risk factors. Therefore, there is a need for more effective methods to prevent and treat the condition. This paper will discuss the causes, different types, symptoms, and available treatment options for Endocarditis, as well as the disease's diagnostic tests and prevention methods. Symptoms and causes Endocarditis is caused by bacterial infections, including streptococci, staphylococci, and enterococci. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through various routes, such as the mouth, skin, urinary tract, or respiratory tract, attach to the heart valves, and multiply, leading to an infection. A congenital heart defect can also increase the risk of Endocarditis as these defects can create areas on the heart valves or heart chambers where bacteria can attach and grow(Rajani & Klein, 2020). Rheumatic fever, a complication of streptococcal diseases, can also cause damage to the heart valves and make them more susceptible to infection. Another risk factor for Endocarditis is intravenous drug use, as bacteria from the skin can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart through the injected drugs. Certain medical procedures, such as dental work, can also increase the risk of Endocarditis by allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Endocarditis can cause various symptoms, including fever, fatigue, chills, night sweats, joint and muscle pain, a new or changed heart murmur, and small blood vessels visible on the skin. Symptoms like fever, characterized by a high body temperature, fatigue, feeling weak,

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4 tired, and having no energy, are commonly associated with Endocarditis. Chills and shaking, similar to flu symptoms, can also occur. Night sweats, which is sweating at night, is another symptom. Joint and muscle pain, pain, and stiffness in the joints and muscles are also symptoms of Endocarditis (Rajani & Klein, 2020). A new or changed heart murmur, a change in blood flow through the heart resulting in a new or different sound heard through a stethoscope, is also a symptom. Janeway lesions, small blood vessels visible on the skin, are also a symptom of Endocarditis. Shortness of breath and anaemia, a low level of red blood cells, can also occur due to Endocarditis. If you suspect you may have Endocarditis, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Types of Endocarditis Endocarditis can be grouped into three main categories: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute Endocarditis is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms and rapid disease progression. It is usually caused by bacteria and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Symptoms of acute Endocarditis include fever, fatigue, chills, night sweats, joint and muscle pain, and a new or changed heart murmur (Cuervoet al,2021). Subacute Endocarditis has a slower onset of symptoms and a more gradual disease progression. It is usually caused by bacteria and may not cause as severe symptoms as acute Endocarditis, but it can still damage the heart valves if left untreated. Chronic Endocarditis is a long-term infection of the heart valves, often caused by a fungus. It may cause few symptoms and progress slowly over months or years. This type of Endocarditis can be difficult to diagnose and may not be discovered until it has caused significant damage to the heart valves. It is more common in people who have a history of heart valve disease or a previous episode of Endocarditis. Diagnostic tests

5 Diagnosis of Endocarditis involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. A physical examination may reveal signs of Endocarditis, such as a new or changed heart murmur and small blood vessels visible on the skin. Blood tests, such as blood cultures, can identify the type of bacteria or other microorganisms causing the infection. An echocardiogram is an important diagnostic tool in detecting Endocarditis. It is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of the heart and its valves. It can detect heart valves, blood clots, and vegetation abnormalities, which are characteristic features of Endocarditis. Additional imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or scintigraphy may be used to confirm the diagnosis or determine the damage's extent. In some cases, a biopsy of the infected area may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or to identify the specific type of microorganism causing the infection (Konkel,.2015). Treatment for Endocarditis typically includes a combination of antibiotics and surgery. The type of antibiotics and duration of treatment depend on the type of microorganism causing the infection. Intravenous antibiotics are usually administered for several weeks to eliminate the infection (Erba et al.,2016). Surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged valve if the infection is not responding to antibiotics, if the valve is severely damaged, or if there is a risk of serious complications. Other interventions may be required in some cases of Endocarditis, such as removing an infected pacemaker or catheter. To prevent the recurrence of Endocarditis, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid risky behaviours, and receive prophylactic antibiotics before certain medical procedures. Follow up with a cardiologist or an infectious disease specialist to monitor the heart valves and ensure they function well. Prevention

6 Preventing Endocarditis is crucial to avoid the severe complications that can occur with this condition. Some strategies to prevent Endocarditis include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding risky behaviours, receiving prophylactic antibiotics before certain medical procedures, getting vaccinations, and having regular check-ups with a cardiologist or infectious disease specialist. Good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream through the gums, which is particularly important for those at high risk of Endocarditis, such as those with a history of the condition or a congenital heart defect (Rajani, & Klein, 2020). Avoiding activities that increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, such as intravenous drug use or sharing needles, can also help reduce the risk of developing Endocarditis. Prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended before certain medical procedures, such as dental work, to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing Endocarditis. Vaccinations against certain types of bacteria that can cause Endocarditis, such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Neisseria meningitides, can also help reduce the risk of the disease. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist or infectious disease specialist, especially if you have a history of Endocarditis, a congenital heart disease, or other risk factors, can help detect and treat the condition early, which is essential in preventing Endocarditis and its associated complications. Conclusion Conclusively, Endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart and its valves. It can be caused by various bacteria and fungi and can have severe consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The mainstay of diagnosis is echocardiography and blood culture. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery. Prevention measures include good oral hygiene, prompt treatment of infections, and taking antibiotics before

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7 certain medical procedures. It is important to note that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a good outcome. Close monitoring of patients with known underlying cardiac conditions is also important to prevent Endocarditis.

8 References Cuervo, G., Escrihuela-Vidal, F., Gudiol, C., & Carratalà, J. (2021). Current challenges in the management of infective Endocarditis. Frontiers in Medicine , 8 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.641243 Erba, P. A., Sollini, M., Boni, R., & Lazzeri, E. (2016). Other imaging modalities in infective endocarditis diagnosis. Infective Endocarditis , 51–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319- 32432-6_6 Konkel, L. (2015, June 25). Heart valve infection (Endocarditis): Symptoms, treatment, prevention, and faqs . WebMD. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is-endocarditis Rajani, R., & Klein, J. L. (2020). Infective Endocarditis: A contemporary update. Clinical Medicine , 20 (1), 31–35. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmed.cme.20.1.1

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