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.
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