Question 1

does normal echo and cardiac enzymes rule out endocarditis and myocarditis and normal ekg rule out pericarditis ?

Accepted Answer

Heart Inflammations: There are numerous criteria for endocarditis, echo is one. a normal transesophageal echo is excellent to assist in ruling out endocarditis. Acute myocarditis more typically has echo and/or enzyme abnormalities- a cardiac MRI can be helpful to look for active or prior myocarditis. Pericarditis likely has normal echo and may not have the classic ECG abnormalities, so would use clinical symptoms.

Question 2

does a cough from endocarditis go away  if its not treated?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis: Endocarditis, an infection of a heart valve, doesn't usually cause a cough by itself unless there is associated congestive heart failure or embolism to the lungs. Clearing up these complications could, in theory, get rid of the cough. I have experience with several cases of endocarditis, but cough wasn't part of the symptoms. Others may have more experience with it,however.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Fever, rash, others: Endocarditis (infectious) is when the heart and heart valves become colonized by bacteria. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, small hemorrhages under the finger nails, and  tender left flank from spleen enlargement. Along with these and most diagnostic are the presence of abnormal heart signs or murmurs.

Question 4

how would you know if you have endocarditis ?

Accepted Answer

Fever and murmer: Endocarditis refers to infection of any or all four heart valves. It can be bacterial, fungal or not an infection at all but an autoimmune  disorder. It is generally recognized when its discovered a patient with a fever also has a new heart murmur caused by vegetations, lumpy growths on the heart valves that have been seeded by bacteria that has gained entry into the usually sterile bloodstream

Question 5

how deadly is infective endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis: Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease cause by both bacteria/fungi infecting the inner lining of the heart (endocardium). It requires aggressive antibiotic/fungal treatment-but can also include surgery to repair/replace heart valves effected. The usual cause of death is congestive heart failure - neurologic complication are also often seen. Mortality can be 20-25% even with treatment.

Question 6

will endocarditis complicate my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

VERY Unlikely: Any infection can occur at any time, but in perfectly healthy women, pregnancy does not increase the risk of endocarditis (infection of the heart valves). For women with mild heart valve issues, the american heart assoc. No longer recommends (based on data) that antibiotics need to be given before delivery (vaginal or cesearan section) just to prevent a valve infection.

Question 7

do you always have a fever with endocarditis ?

Accepted Answer

Generally: The symptoms of acute IE generally begin with fever (102°–104°F), chills, fast heart rate, fatigue, aching joints &amp; muscles, persistent cough or swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen. The symptoms of chronic IE may be such things as mild fever (99°–101°F), fatigue, a moderately fast heart rate, weight loss, sweating &amp; a low red blood cell count (anemia). I wish you well with your health!

Question 8

do you always get a fever with endocarditis

Accepted Answer

Most times, yes.: Specifically answring your question: around 90-95% of patients with endocarditis get fever at least once during the course of their disease. 
Regarding the other symptoms you mention, including night sweats, unintentional weight loss, severe back pain, cough that gets worse with lying flat, and chest pain/discomfort, they are very serious and require you to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Question 9

what streptococcus causes infective endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis: It is estimated that about 2/3 of the cases of endocarditis are caused by streptococcal bacteria. Streptococcal bacteria causing endocarditis include streptococcus viridans as well as groups a, c, and g streptococcal bacteria.

Question 10

does acute stage of endocarditis produces fever ?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis: Endocarditis does not usually produce fever since the valves of the heart are inert since they lack blood supply.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Cardiac endocarditis

A member asked:

Does normal echo and cardiac enzymes rule out endocarditis and myocarditis and normal ekg rule out pericarditis ?

A member asked:

Does a cough from endocarditis go away if its not treated?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of endocarditis?

A member asked:

How would you know if you have endocarditis ?

A member asked:

How deadly is infective endocarditis?

A member asked:

Will endocarditis complicate my pregnancy?

A member asked:

Do you always have a fever with endocarditis ?

A member asked:

Do you always get a fever with endocarditis

A member asked:

What streptococcus causes infective endocarditis?

A member asked:

Does acute stage of endocarditis produces fever ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?