What You Need to Know About Native Valve Infective Endocarditis
What You Need to Know About Native Valve Infective Endocarditis
Understanding the Condition
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?
- How Common Is It?
- Key Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
- The Microbiology Behind the Condition
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.
FAQs
What is infective endocarditis?
It's an infection of the heart valves caused by bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream.
Who is most at risk?
Older adults, men, injection drug users, and those with poor dental health are at higher risk.
What causes infective endocarditis?
It's caused by bacteria or fungi entering the bloodstream and settling on heart valves.
How common is it?
Around 10,000 to 15,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S.
Can it be prevented?
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.
Additional 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.