What is endocarditis?

Infection: This is infection inside the heart. It is is caused by bacteremia which gives the bacteria an opportunity to seed an area in the heart. It occurs in areas of the heart with structural abnormalities, like abnormal heart valves. Iv drug abusers are at particularly increased risk of endocarditis. Endocarditis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are nonspecific.

Heart infection: Infective endocarditis (ie) is an infection of the endocardial surface (lining) of the heart, which may include one or more heart valves, the walls, or a septal defect. People at greatest risk of endocarditis have a damaged heart valve, an artificial heart valve or other heart defects.

Infection of valve: Infection of heart valve. Frequently diagnosed by echocardiogram....Serious stuff...Get evaluated if concerned.