What is Bacterial Endocarditis?
This endocardium is a thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of this membrane. Infection occurs when bacteria attaches to the membrane and grow.
The infection is most common when the heart or valves have already been damaged. It can be life-threatening. It can permanently impair the heart valves. This can lead to serious health problems, such as congestive heart failure .
The infection can also cause growths on the valves or other areas of the heart. Pieces of these growths can break off and travel to other parts of the body. This can cause serious complications.