Is there a link between chronic alcohol abuse and endocarditis?

No direct link but..: There can be a common link. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to malnutrition which can weaken the immune system, leaving it more vulnerable to infection. Many alcoholics have, at some point, also abused IV drugs which CAN cause endocarditis. Once a heart valve is damaged by endocarditis, it's more susceptible to recurrent infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream, like during dental procedures.