Living with Infective endocarditis
An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
Understanding Infective endocarditis
It is caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs that get into the bloodstream and attach to the heart. It can damage the heart and cause serious complications. It can develop quickly or slowly depending on the germ and on any underlying heart problem. It can also cause problems in many other parts of the body.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says common symptoms are:
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs that enter the bloodstream and attach to the heart.
Also known as: endocarditis infective; ie - infective endocarditis; infectious endocarditis
Patient organizations
- Children's Cardiomyopathy FoundationCardiomyopathy · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Infective endocarditis.
Explore research for Infective endocarditis
Explore actively recruiting Infective endocarditis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Infective endocarditis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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