Guide To The Symptoms Of Endocarditis

Endocarditis is the infection and inflammation of an individual's endocardium. The heart chambers have an interior surface covered by a special lining, called the endocardium, containing a layer of connective tissue and a layer of endothelial cells. Pathogens from anywhere within an individual's body can spread through their bloodstream and bind to damaged tissues in the heart. Without treatment, this type of infection can have serious complications, including permanent damage to the heart valves. The most common ways pathogens enter the bloodstream and cause endocarditis include open wounds in the mouth, skin sores, sexually transmitted infections, venous catheter, body piercing needles, tattoo needles, intravenous illegal drug use, and some dental procedures. CT scans, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and blood tests may be utilized in the diagnosis of endocarditis.