When you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), it’s possible to develop a condition called infective endocarditis (IE). This is when you get an infection in your heart valves or your endocardium, which is the lining of your heart.
While IE is rare, it’s more common with HCM. It can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, so it’s best to avoid it. You can lower your risk of IE by knowing the facts and taking steps to prevent infection.
Know the Facts
IE happens when bacteria or fungi get into your bloodstream and reach your heart. It’s usually caused by two types of bacteria: streptococcus and staphylococcus.
Normally, your body kills bacteria before it causes problems. But if you have a heart condition like HCM, the tissue in your heart valves and lining may be rough. This makes it easier for bacteria to attach to it.
Bacteria may enter your bloodstream from something as simple as brushing your teeth or as complex as open heart surgery, which is a treatment you may get for HCM.
Bacteria may enter your bloodstream through:
- Burns
- Catheters
- Dental procedures
- Illicit drugs
- Implanted cardiovascular medical devices
- Infected cuts
- Infectious diseases
- Open wounds
- Skin disorders and infections
- Tattoo or body-piercing needles
- Tooth brushing that creates an injury on your mouth or gum lining
- Your mouth
When bacteria travel through your bloodstream, they may attach to tissue in your endocardium, the lining of your heart chambers and valves. The bacteria may form colonies, which kill healthy cells and stop your body from healing.
If you suddenly develop IE, it’s called acute IE, and it may quickly become life-threatening in just a few days. If IE develops slowly, it’s called subacute or chronic IE. It may take weeks or months to develop.
You can lower your risk by limiting your exposure to infection.
To avoid infection:
- Use good oral hygiene.
- Avoid piercings and tattoos.
- Take antibiotics if your doctor recommends them.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may prevent infection. If you have a high risk of IE, your doctor may recommend preventive, or prophylactic, antibiotics.
Your doctor may give you a short round of antibiotics before certain procedures, like a dental treatment that involves an incision.
A daily antibiotic used to be the norm for preventing infective endocarditis. But this may increase antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may also cause serious side effects, so doctors don’t prescribe them as often anymore.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth and gums may lower your risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream.
Try these steps for good oral hygiene:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- See your dentist for regular checkups.
- If you have an abscess or gum disease, get it treated.
If you have dental work, it’s important to avoid infection.
Before you get dental treatment:
- Talk to your dentist. Tell them you have HCM and share the names of your medications.
- Ask your doctor what you can do to avoid infection, like taking antibiotics.
- Give your dentist permission to talk to your doctor.
Take Care of Your Skin
Bacteria may enter your bloodstream through your skin.
Try these steps to keep bacteria from entering your body and causing an infection:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- If you notice a cut, carefully wash it right away.
- If you think you may have a skin infection, call your doctor. They may give you antibiotics.
- Avoid cosmetic procedures that break your skin. This includes body piercings and tattoos.
Know What to Look For
Know the symptoms of IE. If you notice anything, call your doctor.
Common symptoms of acute IE include:
- Achy joints
- Achy muscles
- Chills
- Fast heart rate
- Fatigue
- Fever (around 102-104 degrees)
- Night sweats
- Ongoing cough
- Paleness
- Swelling in your abdomen, feet, or legs
You may also notice less common symptoms, like blood in your urine, a new heart murmur, spleen tenderness, bleeding under your nails, flat spots or red bumps on your hands or feet, or small red spots on your skin, the whites of your eyes, or your mouth.
If you have chronic IE, you may have symptoms such as:
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Fatigue
- Mild fever (99-101 degrees)
- Moderately fast heart rate
- Sweating
- Weight loss
What to Do if You Have Symptoms of Infective Endocarditis
If you notice symptoms of IE, call your doctor. They may give you IV antibiotics or antifungal medication. They’ll look for the cause to decide what type of antibiotic to use and for how long. It may be up to 6 weeks.
You may need surgery to take out damaged tissue. If your endocarditis is severe, you may need a heart valve replacement.
Show Sources
SOURCES:
Photo Credit: Science Photo Library/Getty Images
American Heart Association: “Heart Valves and Infective Endocarditis.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Infective Endocarditis.”
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: “Infective Endocarditis.”
NHS: “Endocarditis Prevention.”
