Endocarditis: what it is, symptoms and how dangerous it is

by time news

2023-04-28 20:21:58

Sometimes we underestimate our heart, since not only a heart attack or a love disappointment can hurt him. This organ can also be attacked by viruses and bacteria, causing a condition called endocarditis.

It might seem like heart problems are all the rage. It is not like that, rather we are not entirely familiar with what can affect it.

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Alejandro Hope dies at the age of 52

Through its social networks, the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), deeply regretted the death of the analyst and expert.

“He was our Director of security projects. An admirable professional, but above all, a great human being whose ideas contribute, from this and many other trenches”.

The expert suffered from endocarditis, which led him to undergo surgery because he needed a heart valve.

What is endocarditis?

The endocarditis it is basically a inflammation produced in the inner lining of the heart chamber and valves (also known as endocardium). This inflammation is usually caused by the presence of bacteria, and in some cases, fungi, says the United States Library of Medicine.

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What bacteria cause endocarditis?

The infection that is usually most related to this endocardial disease They are streptococci and staphylococci.

This infection usually occurs when germs enter the bloodstream and attach to heart valves, damaging tissue in the area, describes the Mayo Clinic Medical Institute.

In many cases the immune system of people fight this agent, so they do not cause harm. However, in certain circumstances, bacteria present on the skin, mouth, throat, or intestines can travel and reach the heart.

How does endocarditis manifest?

It is strange but the symptoms that endocarditis produces are very similar to those that a person can experience with a cold.

You can suspect a acute bacterial endocarditis if you suddenly experience high fever, tachycardia, dyspnea and rapid external damage to the heart valve. In the case of the subacute bacterial endocarditis, signs are fatigue, mild fever, moderate tachycardia, weight loss, and sweating.

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symptoms of endocarditis

The general symptoms are: fever, chills and sweating, which may be accompanied by:
1- Fatigue
2- Weakness and pain in the muscles or joints

Other signs of endocarditis that may not be as frequent are the following:

1- Small areas of bleeding under the nails
2- Red spots that do not hurt on the skin
3- Red and painful nodes on the tips of the fingers and feet
4- Difficulty breathing
5- Swelling of feet, legs and abdomen

Is endocarditis curable?

Yes, although it is a infection that requires immediate attention. In a first instance, the treatment consists of the use of antibiotics that act on the bacteria and fungus. In some cases, the patient may require surgery to heart valve to treat endocarditis or to replace the damaged valve.

All of us, at any moment in our lives, find ourselves exposed to facing a endocarditis, so it is important to never ignore an infection.

Discover more of your heart in the following video:

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