What You Need to Know About Native Valve Infective Endocarditis
Published: Jun 28, 2024
Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on June 28th, 2024.
Native valve infective endocarditis is a serious infection that affects the heart valves. This article breaks down what it is and what causes it.
Contents
What Is Native Valve Infective Endocarditis?
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream and attach to the heart valves. This condition can damage the heart and lead to serious complications if not treated early.
How Common Is It?
The incidence of infective endocarditis has been increasing over the years. In the United States, the rate has risen from 11 to 15 cases per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2011. The condition is more prevalent in men and older adults, especially those over 60.
Key Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
Several factors can increase the risk of developing infective endocarditis. These include being over the age of 60, male gender, drug use involving needles, and poor dental hygiene. People with pre-existing heart conditions or those with prosthetic heart valves are also at higher risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's an infection of the heart valves caused by bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream.
Older adults, men, injection drug users, and those with poor dental health are at higher risk.
It's caused by bacteria or fungi entering the bloodstream and settling on heart valves.
Around 10,000 to 15,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the risk factors and symptoms of infective endocarditis can help in early diagnosis and treatment.
Get started by discussing your heart health with Doctronic to understand your risk factors.Related Articles
References
Pant S, Patel NJ, Deshmukh A, et al. Trends in infective endocarditis incidence, microbiology, and valve replacement in the United States from 2000 to 2011. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:2070.
Toyoda N, Chikwe J, Itagaki S, et al. Trends in Infective Endocarditis in California and New York State, 1998-2013. JAMA 2017; 317:1652.
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.