Information on Endocarditis and Columbus CPR Classes

Endocarditis is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the heart lining, heart muscles, and heart valves which is also known as infective endocarditis (IE), bacterial endocarditis (BE), infectious endocarditis, and fungal endocarditis. An infection of the endocardium causes endocarditis which again is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Rarely, it can be caused by fungi or other infectious micro-organisms. Men are more prone than women. In the United States, over 25 percent of cases affect people aged 60 years or above. Prior to discussing about the causes and symptoms, let us throw some light on the life-saving CPR procedures.

The CPR procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can restore the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency which can either be a cardiac arrest or heart attack. For a CPR class Columbus, make sure to select an accredited training center such as the AHA certified CPR Columbus. Certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.

Causes:

This condition generally happens when bacteria or fungi enter the body because of an infection, or when normally harmless bacteria that live in the mouth, upper respiratory tract, or other parts of the body attack the heart tissue. Our immune system can destroy these unwanted micro-organisms, but any damage to the cardiac valves can allow them to attach themselves to the ticker and to multiply. Clumps of bacteria and cells, or vegetation, form on the cardiac valves which disrupts the proper functioning of the organ. 

1.      A dental problem or procedure that results in an infection can trigger it.

2.      A defect in the ticker increases the risk of developing endocarditis if bacteria enter a body. 

3.      Surgical procedures can allow bacteria to enter, including tests to examine the digestive tract, for example, a colonoscopy.

4.      A candida fungal infection can lead to this condition.

5.      Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or any intestinal disorders may also increase the risk.

6.      The risk increases during treatments with use of surgical or medical tools, such as a urinary catheter or long-term intravenous medication can increase the risk.

7.      A bacterial infection in another part of the body, for example, a skin sore or a gum disease, can lead to the bacteria to spread.

Symptoms include:

1.      high temperature, or fever

2.      a new or different heart murmur

3.      muscle pain

4.      bleeding under the fingernails or toenails

5.      broken blood vessels in the eyes or skin

6.      chest pain

7.      coughing

8.      headache

9.      shortness of breath, or panting

10.  small painful, red or purple lumps, or nodules, on the fingers, toes, or both

11.  small, painless, flat spots on the sole of the feet or palms of the hands

12.  small spots from broken blood vessels under the nails, on the whites of the eyes, on the chest, in the roof of the mouth and inside the cheeks

13.  sweating, including night sweats

14.  swelling of the limbs or abdomen

15.  blood in the urine

16.  weakness, tiredness, and fatigue

17.  unexpected weight loss

The symptoms vary between individuals. Symptoms appear slowly over several weeks in sub-acute endocarditis.

Go for regular health checkups to assess whether there is any heart condition which may require immediate treatment. For more information or to sign up for a CPR course, contact CPR Columbus.