What is infectious endocarditis?
Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, the thin layer of tissue cells lining the inner surface of the heart muscle and valves. The infection is caused by organisms (such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi) that attach themselves to the lining, usually on the heart valves. There they grow, destroying the lining and damaging the valves. If the infection is not treated, death will result. Even with treatment, nearly 20% of the people with infectious endocarditis will die of it.
