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Are You at Risk for Infective Endocarditis?
Published: Aug 06, 2024
Understanding the risk factors for infective endocarditis can help prevent this serious heart condition.
Age and Gender
Age plays a significant role, with more than half of infective endocarditis cases occurring in individuals over 60. Men are also more likely to develop this condition than women, with male-to-female ratios ranging from 3:2 to 9:1.
Lifestyle Choices
Injection drug use significantly increases the risk of infective endocarditis. The use of contaminated needles can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to heart valve infections. Poor dental hygiene is another risk factor, as it can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream during dental procedures.
Health Conditions
Individuals with structural heart disease or those with prosthetic valves are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis. Chronic conditions like diabetes or HIV may also contribute to the risk.
Previous Infections
A history of infective endocarditis increases the likelihood of recurrence. In a cohort study, 4.5 percent of patients who survived infective endocarditis experienced a recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Older adults and men have higher chances of developing this condition.
Yes, drug use and poor dental hygiene can increase the risk.
Yes, structural heart disease and prosthetic valves are significant risk factors.
Yes, past infective endocarditis increases the risk of recurrence.
Yes, conditions like diabetes and HIV can increase risk.
Stay Informed
Knowing your risk factors is the first step in prevention.
References
- Ambrosioni J, Hernandez-Meneses M, Téllez A, et al. The Changing Epidemiology of Infective Endocarditis in the Twenty-First Century. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2017; 19:21.
- Østergaard L, Valeur N, Wang A, et al. Incidence of infective endocarditis in patients considered at moderate risk. Eur Heart J 2019; 40:1355.
- Gersony WM, Hayes CJ, Driscoll DJ, et al. Bacterial endocarditis in patients with aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, or ventricular septal defect. Circulation 1993; 87:I121.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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