Endocarditis
is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the heart lining, heart
muscles, and valves. It
is also referred to as infective endocarditis (IE), bacterial endocarditis
(BE), infectious endocarditis, and fungal endocarditis. It is caused by an
infection of the endocardium (the innermost layer of tissue that lines the
chambers of the heart. Its cells are embryologically and biologically similar
to the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. The endocardium also provides
protection to the valves and chambers) which is normally caused by
streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. It is twice as common in men as in women. In the United
States, over 25 percent of cases affect people aged 60 years or above. Before
furthering with our discussion, read to know more about the valuable CPR
techniques.
The CPR
techniques comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application
of the procedures can restore the life of a victim involved in a cardiac
emergency which can either be a cardiac arrest or heart attack (myocardial
infarction). For a CPR Overland Park Kansas, make sure to choose an accredited training center such as the AHA
certified CPR Kansas City. Certified instructors conduct the classes through a
series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.
Causes of Endocarditis:
It can
happen when bacteria or fungi enter the body because of an infection, or when
normally harmless bacteria that live in the mouth, upper respiratory tract, or
other parts of the body attack the heart tissue.
1. It can be triggered by a dental
treatment or procedure that results in an infection. The risk increases with
poor health in the teeth or gum which makes it easier for the bacteria to get
in. People should maintain a good oral hygiene for preventing heart infection.
2. Again, heart defect (which can include a defect from
birth, an abnormal cardiac valve or damaged heart tissue) increases the risk if
bacteria enter the body.
3. Bacteria can also enter through
surgical procedures which includes tests to examine the digestive tract, for
example, a colonoscopy. Procedures that affect the breathing tract, the urinary
tract, including kidneys, bladder, and urethra, the skin, the bones and the
muscles, are also risk factors.
4. A candida fungal infection can also
be a cause.
5. A urinary catheter or long-term
intravenous medication which are surgical tools can increase the risk.
6. A bacterial infection in another part
of the body, for example, a skin sore or a gum disease, can lead to the spread
of bacteria. Another risk factor is use of uncleaned needles in injecting
drugs. The risk of endocarditis is higher for someone who develops sepsis.
Symptoms:
Symptoms
vary between individuals and may include
1. a high temperature, or fever
2. a new or different heart murmur
3. muscle pain
4. bleeding under the fingernails or
toenails
5. broken blood vessels in the eyes or
skin
6. chest pain
7. coughing
8. headache
9. shortness of breath, or panting
10. small painful, red or purple lumps,
or nodules, on the fingers, toes, or both
11. small, painless, flat spots on the
sole of the feet or palms of the hands
12. small spots from broken blood vessels
under the nails, on the whites of the eyes, on the chest, in the roof of the
mouth and inside the cheeks
13. sweating, including night sweats
14. swelling of the limbs or abdomen
15. blood in the urine
16. weakness, tiredness, and fatigue
17. unexpected weight loss
Treatment- Treatment options include
antibiotics given intravenously, through a drip where a patient is required to
stay in the hospital or surgery if the endocarditis has damaged the ticker.
Sign up for a CPR program today and gain the
benefits. Call CPR Kansas City on 913-998-7499.
Comments
Post a Comment