Symptoms And Treatments For Heart Conditions You Didn't Know Existed

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is where the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart valves and chambers, becomes infected from bacteria or other germs entering the blood, though the term has also been used to refer to endocardium inflammation resulting from other conditions. It is quite rare among individuals with healthy hearts. Risk factors for the condition include artificial or damaged heart valves, medical devices implanted in the heart or blood vessels, as well as the presence of congenital heart defects. Other factors increasing the risk of endocarditis include poor dental hygiene or using intravenous (IV) drugs.

Symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, flu-like symptoms, blood in the urine, a new heart murmur or change in an existing one, nausea or vomiting, and a loss of appetite. Skin changes include spots from broken blood vessels under the fingernails, on the chest, on the whites of the eyes, or inside the mouth, and painful red or purple bumps under the skin around the fingers and toes. Dark, flat, and painless spots on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands may also occur.

Continue reading for details on treating endocarditis.