4 Surprising Reasons You Might Be at Risk for Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart. While this heart infection is treatable, it can also be life-threatening. Treating endocarditis as early as possible may improve survival odds, so early diagnosis is key. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms, which can include a heart murmur, fever or chills, night sweats, fatigue, pale skin and anemia, joint or muscle pain, nausea, shortness of breath and/or low oxygen concentration, and unintentional weight loss. 

Knowing if you’re at risk may also increase your chances of early diagnosis and treatment if you know that you should be on the lookout for symptoms. Let’s take a look at several surprising risk factors for endocarditis.

1. Dental Procedures are a Risk Factor for Endocarditis

Any kind of dental procedure that cuts your gums or causes bleeding has the chance of introducing bacteria into the  bloodstream, which may lead to endocarditis. Most people don’t have any problem with dental procedures, and the risk is not that high, but it’s still important to be aware that it might be an issue. 

Some dentists still recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for just this reason, but others no longer feel it’s necessary. The American Dental Association (ADA) only recommends this option for those who are at the highest risk of infection and adverse outcomes from that infection. The reason for this is that there can be reactions to antibiotics, and the risk of having a reaction to the antibiotic generally outweighs the risk of contracting endocarditis. It's also worth noting that excessive or unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antibiotic resistance and so-called "superbugs."

2. Artificial Heart Valves and Joint Implants May Put Someone at Risk

When people have artificial valves in their heart or implants in their bodies, such as replacement knees or hip joints, their risk of endocarditis rises. The reason is that bacteria may collect around these implants more easily, potentially allowing it into the bloodstream. Anytime a person has a replacement joint in their body, or a replacement heart valve, they should be aware of their increased risk of endocarditis.  

3. A Congenital Heart Defect Increases Risk

Anyone who has a congenital heart defect, such as a murmur or a hole in their heart, is at a higher risk of contracting endocarditis. This is often the case because these variations in the body’s systems provide areas for bacteria to linger. When that occurs, the bacteria may build up and infect the lining of the heart. The risk is not extreme, but it’s still higher than it would be for the rest of the population.

4. Leaky Gut Syndrome May Affect Your Heart

Leaky gut syndrome isn’t technically a medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s more of a gray area that’s used in the healthcare profession to describe someone who deals with aches and pains, bloating, food sensitivity, and cramps without a specific cause. 

The general consensus of those who promote this as a cause of gut distress is that leaky gut is caused by increased intestinal permeability. The tight junctions that are found in the gut may not work the right way, and that allows substances to move into the bloodstream. Those substances can include bacteria. Once in the bloodstream, they may work their way to the heart, where some believe it's possible that they might develop into endocarditis. It's worth getting this under control if you're at risk, for sure.

Keeping your heart healthy is important, and it’s easier to do when you’re an informed patient. By working with your healthcare and dental professionals, you might reduce the chances of contracting endocarditis even with risk factors in play. Knowledge and understanding can help us to know the right questions to ask so that we might be our own best advocates. 

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