Contents
What You Need to Know About Native Valve Infective Endocarditis
Published: Jun 28, 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.
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.
The Microbiology Behind the Condition
The most common bacteria causing infective endocarditis are staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci. Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause in healthcare settings, while streptococci are more common in community-acquired cases.
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.
Good dental hygiene and avoiding needle-based drug use can reduce risk.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the risk factors and symptoms of infective endocarditis can help in early diagnosis and treatment.
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.
- Selton-Suty C, Célard M, Le Moing V, et al. Preeminence of Staphylococcus aureus in infective endocarditis: a 1-year population-based survey. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54:1230.
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.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?