Endocarditis (Heart Infection) Treatment in Gurgaon,India
What is Endocarditis?
Endocarditis is an infection or inflammation of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. This condition is commonly referred to as a heart infection, and when caused by bacteria, it’s specifically known as bacterial endocarditis.
The infection often occurs when germs from another part of the body, like the mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in the heart. This leads to the formation of vegetation on the heart valves, a mix of bacteria, platelets, and cellular debris, which can impair valve function and may lead to severe complications.
While endocarditis can be life-threatening, effective heart infection treatment can prevent the risk of complications such as damage to the heart valves, heart failure, stroke, or even death. Artemis Hospitals offer comprehensive diagnosis and effective cardiac treatment by some of the best cardiologists in Gurgaon.
What are the Different Types of Endocarditis?
While endocarditis may appear to be a single condition, it actually presents in various forms depending on its cause, severity, and how quickly it develops. Each variation of the disease affects the heart in unique ways and requires personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Here are different types of endocarditis:
Infective Endocarditis
This is the most common form and occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream and infect the heart. It can be classified further into two main categories:
Acute infective endocarditis
Also called non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis, this form isn’t caused by infection but rather autoimmune conditions or malignancies. It results in sterile vegetations on the heart valves, which can increase the risk of embolism or stroke.
Subacute infective endocarditis
This occurs in individuals with artificial heart valves. Bacteria can attach to these foreign surfaces more easily, leading to a complex and often persistent infection that may require surgical intervention.
Non-infective Endocarditis
This form isn’t caused by an infection. Instead, it results from autoimmune conditions like lupus or cancer-related syndromes. Though less common, non-infective endocarditis still poses risks of embolism and stroke.
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
People with artificial heart valves are at high risk for this type. Bacteria can easily colonize prosthetic material, making treatment complex and sometimes requiring surgery.
Fungal Endocarditis
Though rare, fungal endocarditis is serious and often difficult to treat. Common culprits include Candida and Aspergillus species. Patients with weakened immune systems or long-term intravenous lines are more susceptible. It typically requires both antifungal medications and surgery.
What Causes Endocarditis?
Endocarditis causes triggers that allow harmful agents to enter the bloodstream and reach the heart. These triggers can vary greatly from person to person and often depend on lifestyle habits, existing medical conditions, or previous heart issues. Here are some common causes and risk factors associated with endocarditis:
Bacterial Infection (Infective Endocarditis)
The majority of cases are due to bacteria entering the bloodstream. These may come from the mouth (during dental procedures), skin infections, urinary tract infections, or unsterile injections. Common bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus.
Fungal and Other Microbial Infections
In immunocompromised individuals, fungi and rare pathogens may cause vegetative endocarditis. These infections are often hospital-acquired and can be more resistant to treatment.
Several risk factors increase the risk of developing bacterial endocarditis:
Poor oral hygiene which involves bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream.
IV drug use like sharing or using contaminated needles introduces bacteria directly into the blood.
Heart conditions like previous heart surgeries, prosthetic valves, or congenital heart defects make you more susceptible.
Long-term use of indwelling catheters or medical devices like central lines or dialysis shunts can introduce bacteria.
What are the Symptoms of Endocarditis?
Endocarditis can be challenging to detect in its early stages because it often starts with subtle, nonspecific signs that can be mistaken for other illnesses. However, as the infection progresses, the body begins to show apparent signs of issues related to the heart. Recognizing these warning signs early is essential for prompt treatment and significantly reduces the risk of complications.
Fever, Fatigue, and Night Sweats: These are often the first signs of endocarditis. Persistent low-grade fever, extreme tiredness, and night sweats are common in both acute and subacute forms.
Chest Pain, Cough, or Shortness of Breath: The infection can strain the heart, causing chest discomfort, breathing difficulties, and a dry cough, especially in advanced stages.
Heart Murmur or Irregular Heartbeat: Endocarditis can cause changes in how your heart valves function, often resulting in a new or worsening heart murmur.
Skin Spots, Petechiae, or Nail Changes: Small red or purple spots on the skin or under the nails (called petechiae) are signs of emboli or immune responses.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss is another potential symptom, often associated with subacute infective endocarditis.
How is Endocarditis Diagnosed?
Endocarditis diagnosis can be complex because its symptoms often resemble other illnesses. However, it is only after a comprehensive and early endocarditis diagnosis, it is essential to prevent serious complications like valve damage, stroke, or heart failure.
Doctors may recommend diagnostic tests such as physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques and evaluate medical history to confirm the presence of a heart infection.
Once the blood cultures identify the bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus viridans), doctors prepare the infective endocarditis treatment with the most effective antibiotics. In some cases, cultures may need to be repeated if the infection is suspected but not initially detected, especially in cases of fungal endocarditis or fastidious organisms.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to visualize the heart and detect vegetation on heart valves. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) offers clearer images than the standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): This is the initial, non-invasive test where the ultrasound probe is placed on the chest. It can detect larger vegetations, valve abnormalities, or heart failure.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): If TTE results are inconclusive or if more detail is needed, a TEE is performed. In this test, the probe is passed down the esophagus, providing clearer and more detailed images of the heart’s internal structures. TEE is particularly helpful in detecting small vegetations, abscesses, or prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the heart’s electrical activity. While it doesn’t directly diagnose endocarditis, it can reveal indirect signs such as irregular heart rhythms or conduction delays, especially if the infection affects the heart’s electrical pathways.
A chest X-ray helps visualize the lungs and heart size. It can detect fluid buildup in the lungs, which may occur if heart failure has developed due to damaged valves.
In some cases, a CT scan may be ordered to look for embolic events like infections or clots that have traveled to other parts of the body (e.g., brain, spleen, kidneys) which can be complications of vegetative endocarditis.
CT imaging may also help identify abscesses or damage in areas not easily seen through ultrasound.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and CRP
Blood tests help assess the body's inflammatory response. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) typically shows elevated white blood cells, which indicates the body is fighting an infection.
C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are inflammatory markers that are often elevated in infective endocarditis. These values can help monitor how well the patient is responding to endocarditis treatment over time.
Additional Diagnostic Options
The doctor may also recommend the additional tests depending on the suspected cause:
Urinalysis: May show microscopic blood or protein if the kidneys are affected by emboli.
Serologic testing: For cases where standard cultures are negative but clinical suspicion remains high (especially in fungal endocarditis or unusual bacterial infections).
MRI or PET scan: Sometimes used to detect emboli, abscesses, or spinal infections caused by endocarditis complications.
What are the Treatment Options For Endocarditis (Heart Infection)?
Endocarditis treatment, especially infective endocarditis, requires timely and specialized medical intervention. The goal of heart infection treatment is to eliminate the infection, repair any damage to the heart valves, and prevent complications such as heart failure, stroke, or recurrence.
The treatment approach varies depending on the cause of the infection, primary cause of the infection (bacterial, fungal, or non-infective) as well as the severity of the condition. Treatment generally falls into two main categories: non-surgical methods, which are often the first line of defense, and surgical interventions, which are considered in more severe or complicated cases.
Non-Surgical Treatment Methods
Non-surgical approaches are typically the first and most commonly used methods for treating both infective and non-infective endocarditis. These aim to eliminate the underlying infection, manage inflammation, prevent complications, and support heart function.
Intravenous (IV) Medication Therapy
For infective endocarditis, non-surgical treatment begins with intensive IV medication therapy. These medications are designed to eliminate the microorganisms, usually bacteria or fungi, that have infected the heart valves or inner lining.
Treatment usually requires several weeks of IV therapy.
Hospitalization is often necessary during the initial stages to monitor the patient closely.
Once stable, some patients may continue their treatment at home under supervision.
For bacterial endocarditis, this approach can be highly effective when started early. For fungal or resistant infections, longer treatment durations and closer monitoring are required.
Home Remedies and Long-Term Monitoring:
Even after successful treatment, endocarditis patients need ongoing follow-up care:
Regular heart imaging to monitor valve function
Evaluation for recurrence, especially in high-risk individuals
Lifestyle changes such as improved oral hygiene, quitting IV drug use, and maintaining a heart-healthy routine
These preventive and supportive measures play a crucial role in ensuring lasting recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Supportive therapies are critical for addressing symptoms and preventing complications:
Rest and physical monitoring during treatment
Fluid management to reduce the strain on the heart
Oxygen support in cases of respiratory distress or low oxygen levels
Nutritional support for recovery, especially in patients who experience unexplained weight loss
These interventions help stabilize the patient and support the body’s healing process during treatment.
Non-Infective Endocarditis Management
In cases of non-infective endocarditis, which is not caused by microorganisms but by autoimmune diseases, cancers, or clotting disorders, the treatment focus shifts:
Medications may be used to reduce inflammation, regulate immune responses, or address underlying systemic diseases.
Preventing embolism is often a priority, especially in patients who are at risk of clots traveling to vital organs.
Long-term monitoring and regular imaging tests are needed to observe changes in valve structure and function.
This type of endocarditis rarely requires surgical intervention unless it causes major complications.
Surgical Treatment Methods
While many cases of endocarditis can be managed without surgery, some patients require surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications or to restore normal heart function. Doctors may recommend surgery if the
Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery
Surgery becomes necessary when the heart valves are extensively damaged or are not functioning properly due to infection. During the procedure, the affected valve may be either:
Repaired, if the damage is localized and the valve can be preserved, or
Replaced, using either a mechanical or biological valve, especially if the native valve is severely destroyed.
This is especially common in:
Prosthetic valve endocarditis
Fungal endocarditis
Large vegetations that pose a high embolic risk
Patients who fail to respond to medication therapy alone
Surgery can dramatically improve endocarditis prognosis when performed at the right time.
Drainage of Abscesses or Removal of Vegetation
In some cases, the infection may spread to areas around the valves and form abscesses, or large vegetations on the heart may pose a risk of embolism. Surgical removal of infected tissue or abscess drainage may be required to:
Prevent stroke or organ damage
Eradicate infection that medication alone cannot reach
Restore structural integrity to the heart
This is typically done alongside valve repair or replacement and requires skilled cardiac surgical expertise.
Emergency Surgery in Acute Cases
In acute infective endocarditis, the condition can deteriorate rapidly. If the patient develops severe heart failure, life-threatening valve dysfunction, or signs of sepsis, emergency surgery may be the only option to save their life.
Such surgeries are performed under high-risk conditions but are often necessary for survival.
How Can I Prevent Endocarditis?
Endocarditis is a serious heart infection that can lead to life-threatening complications if not detected and treated early. While treatment options have advanced significantly, prevention remains the best strategy, especially for people at higher risk due to heart conditions, valve replacements, or lifestyle factors. Here are some preventive measures which can discrete the risk of complications:
Maintaining Oral Hygiene and Regular Dental Visits: Good oral care prevents bacteria from entering your bloodstream, which is crucial for endocarditis prevention.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Before Dental or Surgical Procedures: People with a history of mitral valve endocarditis or prosthetic valves may need antibiotics before dental work or invasive procedures.
Avoiding Unsterile IV or Injection Practices: Avoid sharing needles or using non-sterile equipment, as this is a major heart infection cause in IV drug users.
Special Precautions for Heart Valve Patients: Patients with congenital defects, prior valve surgeries, or prosthetic valve endocarditis history should follow strict hygiene and medical precautions.
Endocarditis Prognosis: What to Expect
Recovery Outlook for Bacterial vs Fungal Infections
Bacterial endocarditis typically responds well to antibiotics if caught early, while fungal endocarditis is harder to treat and often requires surgery.
Survival Rate with Early vs Late Endocarditis Treatment
Early infective endocarditis treatment significantly improves outcomes. Delays can lead to valve destruction, embolism, or even death.
Risk of Recurrence and Long-Term Valve Damage
Even after treatment, endocarditis can recur. Scarred or artificial valves remain vulnerable to reinfection and long-term functional damage.
Monitoring for Complications
Post-treatment, patients must be monitored for complications like stroke, systemic embolism, heart failure, and kidney damage.
When to See a Cardiologist for your Endocarditis Treatment?
If you notice any of the following symptoms or have a known heart condition, consult a cardiologist immediately:
Persistent Fever or Fatigue:These are early endocarditis symptoms that should never be ignored, especially if they persist for more than a few days.
Symptoms of Heart Failure or Sepsis:Shortness of breath, leg swelling, or low blood pressure may indicate heart failure or a systemic infection.
History of Valve Surgery or Congenital Heart Defects:People with a history of mitral valve endocarditis, prosthetic valves, or congenital heart issues must remain vigilant and undergo regular checkups.
Choose Artemis Hospital for the best Endocarditis Treatment in Gurgaon
Endocarditis is a serious yet manageable condition. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and prompt medical interventions can significantly improve heart health and prevent fatality. Encouraging regular health check-ups, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle are essential for maintaining cardiovascular well-being.
Artemis Hospitals has a team of experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiovascular experts with 20+ years in treating medical conditions related to the heart with a very high success rate.
For expert care, call us today at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91-959-928-5476. You can also easily schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Your health is our priority—let us help you take the next step toward healing.
Reviewed By Dr. D.K. Jhamb
Chief - Cardiology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of endocarditis?
Endocarditis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection that enters the bloodstream and affects the heart's inner lining or valves.
What is the best treatment for endocarditis?
The primary treatment for endocarditis is a long course of intravenous (IV) antibiotics; however, some doctors may suggest surgical intervention to repair or replace damaged heart valves. Call us to book an appointment with top cardiologists in Gurgaon for effective treatment related to
What is the survival rate of endocarditis?
With prompt treatment, the survival rate for endocarditis ranges from 70% to 85%, depending on the patient’s overall health and severity of the infection.
Is surgery always required for endocarditis?
No, not all patients need surgery. It’s typically recommended only when antibiotics alone aren’t effective or if there is severe heart valve damage.
How long does endocarditis treatment take?
Endocarditis treatment usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks, primarily involving IV antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's medical health, etc., hospitalisation may be required during the initial phase.
Can a heart infection come back after successful endocarditis treatment?
Yes, endocarditis can recur, especially if risk factors like heart valve disease or poor dental hygiene aren’t addressed.
Do all patients with heart infection require endocarditis surgery?
No, many patients recover with antibiotic therapy alone; surgery is considered only for complications or persistent infection.
Is IV antibiotic therapy needed for endocarditis treatment?
Yes, IV antibiotics are essential for effectively treating endocarditis and are typically administered in a hospital setting.
Can I continue endocarditis treatment at home after initial IV therapy?
Yes, some patients can continue endocarditis treatment at home. However, it should always be done after a doctor’s consultation when the patient is stabilised.
How long is the recovery time after surgery for endocarditis?
Recovery after surgery can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s medical health and whether complications arise.
What follow-up tests are needed after endocarditis treatment?
The doctor may recommend follow-up tests, which usually include blood cultures, echocardiograms, and regular checkups to ensure the infection has cleared and heart function is stable.
Can I return to normal life after endocarditis recovery?
Yes, most patients can return to normal activities after full recovery. However, they may need ongoing heart monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
What are the complications if endocarditis is not treated?
Untreated endocarditis can lead to heart failure, stroke, valve damage, or death, making early treatment critical.
Where can I get endocarditis treatment near me in Gurgaon?
You can receive specialised endocarditis treatment at leading hospitals in Gurgaon, including Artemis, Medanta, and Fortis.
Can I get treatment for endocarditis at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon?
Yes, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon offers advanced diagnostics and treatment for endocarditis, including antibiotic therapy and cardiac surgery if needed.
How do I book a consultation for endocarditis treatment near me in Gurgaon?
To book an appointment with top cardiologists in Gurgaon, call us at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp +91-9599285476. You can also book online via our website or the Artemis Personal Health Record App, available on iOS and Android.
