Heart Infections: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world. According to the recent survey report, approximately 40 percent of all deaths are from heart diseases. Certainly, there are some ways and treatments that can help you cure heart problems. 

Heart surgery is one of those treatments. Do you know, heart surgeries can cause brain stroke or other damage too? Well, in order to prevent the brain from stroke or damage, doctors use the embolic protective device during TAVR (Transcatheter aortic valve replacement). 

What is a heart infection? 

It’s a serious infection that can lead to heart damage and many other life-threatening conditions. Viruses, fungi, bacteria are the major causes of heart infection. Heart infection is also known as heart valve infection and cardiac infection. 

What are the different types of heart infection? 

Particularly, there are three different types of heart infections. Endocarditis – It is an infection of the endocardium. Wondering, what is endocardium? Well, it is the most inner layer of the heart. In fact, this infection is one of the most common types of heart infections. Usually, this infection develops in people with pre-existing heart problems and valve diseases. Certainly, it is a common heart infection but leads you to death. The treatment of this infection requires hospitalization. Pericarditis – It is an infection of the pericardium. 

The pericardium is the most outer layer that covers the heart. Pericarditis can be developed due to a viral infection. Usually, this infection occurs in men (20-50 years) Good news is that this infection does not require hospitalization in most cases. Proper rest and medication can help you get fit and fit. Myocarditis – It is an infection of the myocardium, which is the middle layer of our heart. This type of heart infection is quite rare but can occur because of viral infections. 

What are the symptoms of a heart infection?

Well, the symptoms of heart infection develop quickly. However, without proper treatment, this infection could worsen your condition. Some common symptoms of heart infection are: 

• Cough
• Chest pain while breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle ache
• Swelling in abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Fever & chills

 Some serious warning signs of heart infection are: 

• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Weakness and numbness
• Vision changes
• Garbled speech

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should seek medical care immediately. 

What are the causes of heart infection? 

Clearly, bacteria are one of the most common causes of endocarditis. However, fungal endocarditis and viral endocarditis are quite rare. When any bacteria enter the bloodstream, it travels to the heart and causes endocarditis. 

This problem can also occur when you went through some dental procedures. In fact, body piercings or getting tattoos also leads to a heart infection. 

What are the risk factors for heart infection? 

People are more prone to heart infection if they have the following conditions: 

• Congenital heart defects
• Haemodialysis
• Artificial heart valves
• Other heart problems

What is the treatment of heart infection? 

Treatment depends on the condition of the patient. A majority of people get recovered by proper rest and treatment. So, if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms then you should consult a doctor.