Endocarditis Flashcards
What parts of the heart are affected in endocarditis?
The endocardium and valves of the heart
What are two requirements for bacteria to cause endocarditis?
The microbe must enter the cardiovascular system and survive AND the microbe must adhere to the surface
In what cases would allow bacteria to adhere to the endocardium or valves in the heart easier?
Defective valves
Sutures from surgery
What occurs when bacteria adheres to the endocardium of the heart or the valves?
Platelets agglutinate and fibrin accumulates
What disease does endocarditis lead to?
Valvular disease
What are manifestations of endocarditis?
Those of local & systemic infection
Impaired heart fx affecting valves and chambers
Valvular dysfunction (stenosis)
Murmur
What is a possible complication of endocarditis?
Distal embolization
How do we diagnose endocarditis?
C & S
Echocardiogram
What treatments are used for endocarditis?
Eradicate microbe with Abx
Deal with any cardiac complications that arise
What are the 3 main rules about complications?
1- know that there is a potential for complications
2- know what the complications are
3- avoid the complications or if they arise deal with them
What is endocarditis a result from?
A bacterial infection
