Endocarditis is a life-threatening inflammation in the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart) and the heart valves. Bacterial infection typically causes the condition, but it can also be the result of fungal infections. Endocarditis may occur in patients from another site of infection — such as a dental infection, respiratory infection, urinary tract infection or gastrointestinal infection — because the germs in the bloodstream can travel to and infect the heart. The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute offers endocarditis treatment for patients in Kentucky.
Sometimes, germs can cause vegetations — clusters of germs and blood cells — to collect on the heart valves. Vegetations can break off and travel to your brain, causing a stroke. Vegetations can also interfere with blood flow through the heart.
The severity of endocarditis symptoms will vary, with some experiencing mild symptoms while others have a severe reaction. Symptoms of endocarditis may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Chest pain, especially with taking a breath
- Chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- New or different heart murmur
- Night sweats
- Painful bumps on the tips of the fingers or toes, called Osler nodes
- Painless, flat, dark spots on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands, called Janeway lesions
- Shortness of breath
- Spleen pain
- Swelling in the feet or legs
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Getting treatment right away can improve your prognosis, but endocarditis can be fatal or debilitating if left untreated. Some potential complications from endocarditis include:
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Damage to heart valves
- Enlarged spleen
- Heart failure
- Infection around the heart or in other parts of the body
- Kidney damage
- Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs
- Sepsis, a blood infection
- Stroke
Because endocarditis is typically caused by germs that travel to the heart from the bloodstream, it’s important that you take care of yourself. Reduce your risk for infection with these tips:
- Avoid recreational IV drug use, which can introduce infections into your blood stream.
- Get regular dental exams. You should get routine dental cleaning twice a year. See your dentist immediately if you think you have a dental infection such as a toothache. Tell your dentist if you are at risk for endocarditis, as you may need antibiotics to prevent infection prior to dental procedures.
- Never ignore a fever or other signs of an infection. If you already know you’re at high risk for endocarditis, talk with your doctor immediately if you have a fever or infection.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily.
- Tell your surgeon if you have ever had a condition that increases your risk for endocarditis. If so, you may need antibiotics to prevent an infection before surgery or medical procedures.
Endocarditis is more common in men compared with women, and about 25% of cases occur in adults over age 60. You have a higher risk if you have:
- A history of artificial heart valve surgery
- A prior history of endocarditis
- An implantable heart device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
- Congenital heart disease
- Dental infections or gum disease
- Heart transplant
- Heart valve disease such as rheumatic heart valve disease or mitral valve prolapse with valvular regurgitation
- Hemodialysis or central line placement
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Immunosuppression from certain medications
- IV drug use
- Other infections
During your first visit to the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute for interventional cardiology care, you will meet your care team and learn about how interventional cardiologists diagnose and treat heart problems. You’ll get to know the providers who will help you on your path to a healthy heart.
In addition to providing education, our team will ask a series of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all possible information to help pinpoint the source of your heart issue. Information from this first meeting helps your team determine the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
Based on information from this meeting, your healthcare provider may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. These tests usually take place on a different day, and your team will help schedule them at your convenience. Interventional cardiology tests take place inside the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Imaging exams, bloodwork and other tests occur elsewhere. Your team will help schedule all tests, making the process seamless.
When coming to your first appointment with your interventional cardiology team, please do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medications or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve undergone, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues. You may also bring your medication bottles.
- Dress comfortably. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit.
- Eat and drink normally. You likely won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions. If you’re scheduled for laboratory testing, eat a light breakfast beforehand.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Our interventional cardiology team helps patients regain good heart health every day. We also participate in clinical trials to enhance interventional cardiology treatment and management in the future.
Our team engages in trials to investigate new advances. Because of this, you have access to the latest treatment options available.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss this option with you.
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