Who Gets Endocarditis?
Endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) and attach to a damaged portion of the inner lining of the heart or abnormal heart valves. Not all bacteria entering the bloodstream are capable of causing endocarditis. Only those bacteria that are able to stick to the surface lining of the heart and to abnormal valves tend to cause endocarditis. The ability of these bacteria to stick to the surface lining is aided by a preexisting microscopic clot that often forms at these abnormal sites. Endocarditis most often occurs in people with preexisting heart disease (which may or may not be known to patients or their physicians) and less commonly in people with normal hearts.2 Preexisting Heart Conditions Associated With Endocarditis • Previous cardiac valve surgery • Previous infective endocarditis • Mitral valve prolapse with valve leakage • Abnormal valves caused by rheumatic fever and degenerative conditions • Certain congenital heart diseases Some congenital heart def
