What do you need to know about the underlying causes?
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
Causes
Endocarditis develops when a source of infection (a microbe, usually a bacterium) enters the circulatory system, reaches the heart, clogs the heart valve, or damages heart tissue.
Endocarditis may be caused by a fungus or other microorganism.
Usually, the body's immune system destroys any harmful bacteria that enter the bloodstream. However, bacteria on the skin or in the mouth, throat or gut (intestines) may enter the bloodstream and cause endocarditis under the right circumstances.
Bacteria and other microbes that cause endocarditis can spread through the circulatory system in the following ways:
- Catheters and needles;
- Improper dental care.
