What it is
People at higher risk include those with artificial heart valves, previous endocarditis, some congenital heart conditions, and people who inject drugs.
Treatment is with several weeks of antibiotics, usually through a drip in hospital at first. Some people need surgery to repair or replace a damaged valve. Good dental hygiene helps reduce risk.
Common signs
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Tiredness and aches
- Breathlessness
- A new or changed heart murmur
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood cultures
- Echocardiogram, often through the throat (TOE)
- Other blood tests and scans
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood culture results
- Echocardiogram reports
- Antibiotic course details
- Operation notes for any valve surgery
- Advice about dental care and future risk
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which valve is affected, and is surgery needed?
- How long will antibiotics last?
- What should I tell my dentist in future?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Breathlessness, chest pain, signs of stroke, or fever with feeling very unwell, especially with an artificial valve: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.