Endocarditis

Abstract

Infectious endocarditis (IE) is an inflammatory condition that affects the endocardium, the heart's inner lining, as well as the valves that separate each of the heart's four chambers. Despite a low prevalence and improvements in its management, IE remains associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. IE can be associated with reduced quality of life and a high risk of re-infection. It often requires prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment. The mortality rate is high, with an estimated one-third of patients dying within a year of diagnosis. It is important to have an awareness of the key features of a patient’s history and examination findings that should prompt referral to specialist services.