What Are The Symptoms Of Bacterial Endocarditis?
By Adam Pick on August 13, 2007
My inbox just received an email that I can relate too.
The email reads, “Adam, What are the symptoms of bacterial endocarditis? Is chest pain a symptom of endocarditis?”
Before I dive straight into the answer, you should know that I was initially diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve as a little boy. I think I was five years old when I learned about my heart murmur.
From that moment on, I had to pre-medicate every time I saw the dentist. My mom told me it was very, very, very important to take medication every time I went for a cleaning or a cavity filling.
Now, I don’t like the dentist to begin with… So, this just added to my resistance.
At the time, I had no idea that my parents and dentist were protecting me from the problems of bacterial endocarditis. For those of you who don’t know, bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining (endocardium) or the heart valves. Problems of bacterial endocarditis can damage or even destroy your heart valves.
According to the American Heart Association, there are about 29,000 cases of endocarditis diagnosed a year.
Now that we all know what bacterial endocarditis is, I can get back to the original question, “What are the symptoms of bacterial endocarditis? Is chest pain a symptom of endocarditis?” Fyi, symptoms of endocarditis may develop slowly (subacute) or suddenly (acute).
- Fever which may be present on a daily basis for months before other symptoms appear.
- Fatigue, malaise (general discomfort)
- Headache
- Night sweats
- Small dark lines, called splinter hemorrhages, may appear under the fingernails.
- Enlarged spleen
- Mild anemia
- Murmurs result from changes in blood flow across valves when clumps of bacteria, fibrin and cellular debris, called vegetations, collect on the heart valves. The mitral valve is most commonly affected, followed by the aortic valve.
In review of these symptoms for bacterial endocarditis, my research did not indicate chest pain as a symptom of bacterial endocarditis. However, I would suggest additional research if you are nervous about your condition.
I hope this helps answer your question of, “What are the symptoms of bacterial endocarditis?” and “Is chest pain a symptom of bacterial endocarditis?”
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Lori Williams says on July 28th, 2009 at 2:32 pm |
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Adam – In response to Cheryl’s concern for patients knowing about endocarditis, I wanted to add that my Dad also got this infection in March of 2009. It was consistent high blood sugar readings for three plus days that brought him to the emergency room. He is a type 1 diabetic who was able to manage his glucose levels very well on an insulin pump but no matter what he did (including fasting), nothing kept the numbers from rising. We had no idea that this was a sign of an infection but we quickly learned an awful lot. He had an aortic valve replacement in February and a stent procedure in March prior to the endocardits diagnosis. I could write a book about this topic but my Dad had to undergo a second valve replacement surgery 8 weeks after his first operation. He is a 74 year old survivor who has had to overcome a lot during his recovery (anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, temporary kidney dialysis, 6 weeks in a nursing home upon hospital release to regain independence, back to the hospital to drain fluid from his lung, learning what antibiotics he can and cannot tolerate, anemia and extreme weakness). But thanks be to God his mind has not been affected and he is recovering. He has been home for two months (after having been in the hospital / home for two months) and he started cardiac rehab recently. He has had to overcome a lot but news is encouraging considering the seriousness of endocarditis. From Lori Williams in PA |
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Bob Collins, Sr. says on July 29th, 2009 at 9:38 am |
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I have had endocarditis twice. The first time we could not determine the cause. The second time happened because I went to the dentist when I got out of the hospital (In 1968 you had to spend at least five weeks in the hospital in order to take 20 million unitis of pencillin by IV a day) I went to the dentist. I told him that I had just had SBE (Subacute baterical endocrditis, and had spent almont two months in the hospital. He replied “I think that we studied about that in dental school.” He proceeded to clean my teeth without any type of protection. In less than two months I was back in the hospital with endocarditis. This time my aortic valve was damaged so badly that the Dr. said I would have to have my Aortic valve replaced. I was only 26 years old, and in very good physical condition, so it was eight years before I had to have my valve replaced. The Bjork-Shiley valve had just been developed, so Dr. John Kirkland at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham used it, instead of a cadaver valve that he had planned on using. That was on November 22 1974. Because it is a mechanical valve, I have been on Coumadin every since. I have been very lucky and have not had any real problems with the Coumadin. I would be happy to discuss my Coumadin experience with anyone that is facing a long term course of Coumadin. |
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Jennifer says on September 19th, 2010 at 8:05 am |
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I’m a fellow mechanical valve replacement recepient, I have a St. Judes mitral valve and I waundering how your long time battle with coumadin is fairing? I was born with a congenital disease hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy. At 32 I had open heart to shave the left ventricle wall (septal myoctomy) and as an extra bonus I also had a valve replaced as well. Now I too be take coumadin. Sincerely, Jennifer Roy of St. Louis |
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mina says on October 8th, 2010 at 6:43 pm |
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hi |
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Riana says on August 2nd, 2011 at 12:43 pm |
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I read the e-mails with interest but i just want to ask a question. I had been told many years ago that i have a ‘slight’ murmur and whenever doctors listen to my chest for whatever reason i see drs. tend to do a double take but don’t say anything which over the years i have now ignored. What i want to know is i only have some of the symtoms you mention above. I get blood splinters (splinter heamorage) on my nails which is quite painful for a day every now and then. I had quite a stresfull few weeks and suddenly the splinters appeared again together with a kind of dull numbing now continuous pain on the left side of my chest, (L) arm and behind my shoulder blade. I don’t have fever and i don’t think i am anemic. The night sweats i’m also not sure about because i am 51 and night sweats come with the territory. I get tired but i wrote that off to being older now and i don’t get headaches that often but if i do i think it might be because i’m stressed. |
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Sargon says on November 10th, 2011 at 10:00 am |
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Hi There, p.s I have seen and examined by a rheumatologist who said that I don’t have any signs Arthritis and all my blood tests are normal. Regards |
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Kathleen says on October 9th, 2012 at 9:34 am |
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Hi Riana, |
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Joyce says on February 24th, 2013 at 12:34 pm |
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Can you possibly have sub acute endocarditis for over a year with symptoms improving even though you have not had it diagnosed or treated. Approximately a year ago my optician discovered a roth spot in my eye. GP did fbc, crp & esr and said all was fine. Now a year later I have been diagnosed with a heart murmur and am awaiting an echocardiogram. I may have had this heart murmur a year ago but doctor did not listen to my heart but so no way of knowing. The roth spot has now disappeared and I do not have any fever. Could I possibly be suffering from untreated sub acute endocarditis |
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kathleen says on February 26th, 2013 at 12:38 am |
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Hi Sargon, |
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Patrick says on February 26th, 2013 at 5:36 pm |
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I too am a patient that was diagnosed with endocarditis. Approximately four years ago I had to have my aortic valve replaced. It was replaced with a bovine valve per my surgeons recommendation. Although now recently I have been having some shortness of breath and tiredness issues. About six weeks ago my doctor scheduled me for a echocardiogram and told me there was something he did not like on the tape |
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Mark Howie says on May 20th, 2014 at 2:59 pm |
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My name is Mark. I was diagnosed in 2010 with Bacterial Endocarditis after many misdiagnosis. My symptom was a 103 fever and bed sweats for 30 days. during that time I lost 35 lbs and lost my job, had no insurance. I was treated for the flu twice. Then diagnosed with dinghy fever. Then swine flu. Then Malaria. Finally, a GP who just started attending the church I went to, agreed to see me. He sent me to 2 different hospitals for blood cultures and to see a cardiologist for a echo cardiogram with contrast. The cardio said that there was nothing wrong, with my heart ,but suggested I be treated for tropical fever. The GP thought this guy was nuts. 72 hours later, I was diagnosed and then came time for treatment. In patient for 30 days was out of the picture for me cause I had no insurance. So we contacted the makers of Rosephin and they donated 30 day supply to me. I found a pharmacist to compound the meds, and then a hospital to install a pick line. Shoppng hospitals was a nightmare. One wanted $17K to install, one refused to install, one wanted $5500, and finally another one said they would do it for $800 cash if I paid before the procedure. I paid the $800.00 Then, I sat at home and gave myself 3 grams of meds a day for 30 days. I paid a home health nurse to come and change my dressings once a week. and to take it out at the end to have it cultured. I was cured, so I thought. 6 months later, after I found employment and health insurance, my chest started to ache. A pinpoint pain was causing me to be concerned. I made an appointment with a well known cardiologist who ran me through a battery of tests. I started getting tunnel vision when I ran /walked the treadmill. He later did an echo cardiogram and discovered a lot of regurgitations of the Mitral and Aorta valves. Insurance had a disclaimer about not covering pre existing conditions for a year , so the Doc kept me alive while I waited for surgery. One year and one week after the pre-existing clause was over, I had my surgery. I went to the Kirkland Clinic and had 2 Onyx valves installed by an Aussie, who has since returned to his motherland. I self test my INR weekly, and buy my strips online so I can afford them. I am coming up on 2 years post op. I am going to see my oldest daughter graduate with honors from High School this evening. Other than gaining weight, I have no complaints, only gratitude for another day. Yes, there are tough days, but most are good. And I am grateful to be among the living, but ready to leave if need be. |
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Joseph says on May 25th, 2014 at 1:03 am |
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I was wondering if anyone could share their experience of sub-acute endocarditis with me. Anyone that didn’t feel well for months (fatigue and sick with fever every now and then)? Anyone that had a good echo and after months diagnosed with endocardits? How long did you feel weak after months of not feeling well, six weeks of anti-biotics, and open heart surgery? Any deppresion during pre and post endocatditis? |
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Jay James Jr. says on November 14th, 2015 at 12:14 am |
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I have a few abseses from iv drug use, I have drained 2 of these at home, have been cleaning with sallen, alcohol and anti bacterial soap. I have 2 others that I haven’t drained, nor will I. I do not have a fever, sometimes I get dizzy when I stand up. I have had some minor night sweats, but I am also sleeping with a long sleeve shirt and pants as I do not want my wife to catch this infection and we have a 5 year old who will come into our bed at night and I do my want either of them to catch it. And they aren’t “super soaker night sweats” I do wake up to pee 1-2 times a night but a lot of these symptoms are things I was expierance before I had even 1 abseses My appetite is fine, I do have pain where the infection site is but I believe that is just from the mass under my skin. My chest does hurt but I don’t know if I would consider it “chest pains”. Can anyone with expierance please describe what the chest pains feel like? Is it like a heart attack pain? Like an elephant standing in the chest or is mild to minor discomfort in the chest area the kind of chest pains that would be enough to prompt medical attention? |
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Jay James Jr. says on November 14th, 2015 at 12:22 am |
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Can someone describe what the chest pains felt like that were a symptom of endocarditis? |
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Jay James Jr. says on November 14th, 2015 at 12:30 am |
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Could you describe to me what the chest pains felt like? How sever were they? Or were they mild and dos they come and go? |
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Jay James Jr. says on November 14th, 2015 at 12:41 am |
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Can you describe what the chest pains felt like? Was it intense and sever or mild and dos it come and go? My assumption is that the chest pains related to endocarditis that are cause for worry are similar to a heart attack , the feeing if an elephant on your chest. When i read that chest pains are a symptom I envision sever very painful discomfort on your chest. Thanks for your help. I have a staff infection and it has spread but isn’t spreading, no read streaks and it is getting better. I do not have many if any of the symptoms described. No fever, no caugh, at times I do have a shortness of breath, sometimes i get dizzy when i stand up. My appetite hasn’t changed. I do have a caugh, but I just got over bronchitis, and I am a smoker. I have some discomfort in my chest area but it isn’t sever constant pain. It comes and goes. I do get some night sweats but I h e been sleeping in a long sleeve shirt to reduce the risk of my family catching the staff from the bed sheets and these aren’t the “super soaker night sweats” that been described. Very mild. No blood in urine, no splinters in finger nails, no red streaks growing up and towards my heart or major arteries from the infection or absese site. It does hurt quit a bit but there is a large mass under my skin. I have 2 that are just lumps that I won’t touch. But there were two others I drained by squeezing and I am nervous after reading you should never do this. As it can cause it to spread. I have been covering open wounds with mepalex bandages, and cleaning with alcohol, sallen, and frequently using anti-bacterial soap. As well as being very cautious. I use one towel and wash rag for the infected area, I also wash those towels and wash rag frequently and by them selves with bleach and detergent. I do not have most of the symptoms but I do have some and I clearly have staff or mrsa I want to avoid a er trip but I do not want to lose any limbs or even worse weaken my heart or put myself in a situation where I need heart surgery or even worse could die. Please help. |
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Jay James Jr. says on November 14th, 2015 at 12:42 am |
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Can you describe what the chest pains felt like? Was it intense and sever or mild and dos it come and go? My assumption is that the chest pains related to endocarditis that are cause for worry are similar to a heart attack , the feeing if an elephant on your chest. When i read that chest pains are a symptom I envision sever very painful discomfort on your chest. Thanks for your help. I have a staff infection and it has spread but isn’t spreading, no read streaks and it is getting better. I do not have many if any of the symptoms described. No fever, no caugh, at times I do have a shortness of breath, sometimes i get dizzy when i stand up but that would happen before I had any bumps you know when you stand too quickly. My appetite hasn’t changed. I do have a caugh, but I just got over bronchitis, and I am a smoker. I have some discomfort in my chest area but it isn’t sever constant pain. It comes and goes. I do get some night sweats but I h e been sleeping in a long sleeve shirt to reduce the risk of my family catching the staff from the bed sheets and these aren’t the “super soaker night sweats” that been described. Very mild. No blood in urine, no splinters in finger nails, no red streaks growing up and towards my heart or major arteries from the infection or absese site. It does hurt quit a bit but there is a large mass under my skin. I have 2 that are just lumps that I won’t touch. But there were two others I drained by squeezing and I am nervous after reading you should never do this. As it can cause it to spread. I have been covering open wounds with mepalex bandages, and cleaning with alcohol, sallen, and frequently using anti-bacterial soap. As well as being very cautious. I use one towel and wash rag for the infected area, I also wash those towels and wash rag frequently and by them selves with bleach and detergent. I do not have most of the symptoms but I do have some and I clearly have staff or mrsa I want to avoid a er trip but I do not want to lose any limbs or even worse weaken my heart or put myself in a situation where I need heart surgery or even worse could die. Please help. |
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Jay James Jr. says on November 14th, 2015 at 12:43 am |
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Can you describe what the chest pains felt like? Was it intense and sever or mild and dos it come and go? My assumption is that the chest pains related to endocarditis that are cause for worry are similar to a heart attack , the feeing if an elephant on your chest. When i read that chest pains are a symptom I envision sever very painful discomfort on your chest. Thanks for your help. I have a staff infection and it has spread but isn’t spreading, no read streaks and it is getting better. I do not have many if any of the symptoms described. No fever, no caugh, at times I do have a shortness of breath, sometimes i get dizzy when i stand up. My appetite hasn’t changed. I do have a caugh, but I just got over bronchitis, and I am a smoker. I have some discomfort in my chest area but it isn’t sever constant pain. It comes and goes. I do get some night sweats but I h e been sleeping in a long sleeve shirt to reduce the risk of my family catching the staff from the bed sheets and these aren’t the “super soaker night sweats” that been described. Very mild. No blood in urine, no splinters in finger nails, no red streaks growing up and towards my heart or major arteries from the infection or absese site. It does hurt quit a bit but there is a large mass under my skin. I have 2 that are just lumps that I won’t touch. But there were two others I drained by squeezing and I am nervous after reading you should never do this. As it can cause it to spread. I have been covering open wounds with mepalex bandages, and cleaning with alcohol, sallen, and frequently using anti-bacterial soap. As well as being very cautious. I use one towel and wash rag for the infected area, I also wash those towels and wash rag frequently and by them selves with bleach and detergent. I do not have most of the symptoms but I do have some and I clearly have staff or mrsa I want to avoid a er trip but I do not want to lose any limbs or even worse weaken my heart or put myself in a situation where I need heart surgery or even worse could die. Any help you could offer would be appreciated. Thanks |
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Hailey Krsyzckowski says on November 20th, 2017 at 2:04 pm |
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I had gotten sick beginning of march 2016, started with shortness of breath, then slowly started progressing, mind you at this time i was smoking meth (never injected) … My symptoms from march up until i was admitted into the hospital in july 2016 was as followed but not in that exact order: fever up and down, hypothermic levels, shivering, severe hot and cold flashes, headaches, body spasms, pass out spells, tachycardia, intense intermittent chest pain, also dull, intermittent chest pain, heaviness in my chest, like i i drank gallons of water, enlarged spleen pushing my ribs out (it looked like my body was literally turning around), my left side of my body literally sank into the bone, you could just see the outline of my bone, nasty dull and severe left calf cramping sometimes not so bad and other times excruciating charlie horse pain to where i couldnt stand, severe and noticable leg swelling (was in one and both legs) redness of skin on my left side, weird bubbles in random muscles spots (it looked like a huge bulge coming from my muscles at random times) when they disappeared there was like a fluid build up afterwards. I had mottling skin (starting to happen again) I had nasty numbness in my arm and leg (left side), dizzy spells, i lost a TON of weight, barely ate, sweating was on and off, extreme fatigue, nausea, and a few more issues that i cant remember at this given moment… Well i was going to the doctors on and off for months, doctors and the er. The doctors kept telling me it was all in my head, but i knew there was something wrong…. Id hit the floor continuously… I have had anxiety and depression for years so that didnt really help at all… I ended up getting MRSA with nasty lesions all over my body, and i picked at them (ive been picking my skin since i was a child, its called excoriation disorder) so that made it worse, I was on 5 different medications, lotions, and bodywashes and nothing helped… I went to the walk ins with a sore swollen throat (had my tonsils and adnoids taken out when i was 6) They told me it tested negative for strep, well they were wrong. I went to the er i believe within 3 days after that… I had pustules coming out of my skin, nasty ones, i have pictures to prove that… They tested positive for MRSA. Strep A and staph (yeah i know they are basically one in the same, but thats what the doctor had said) So i was admitted quite quickly… The doctors started doing tests and really didnt find anything until they did an echo and a CT scan WITH contrast… They found i had endocarditis, 2 infected vales, 2 calcified valves, a septic nodule with septi satellite nodules in my liver, and a septic pulmonary embolism in my left lung with septic satellite nodules. The bascteria started eating my spine. Messed up my hypothalamus, and almost killed me… I also had systemic invassive Strep A. Stayed a week in the hospital and was put on a PICC line for a month on heavy duty antibiotics… I was healthy for months after that… It has been a full year since my PICC line, and i am started to become sick again, i can feel and see it happening all over again… I had subacute bacterial endocarditis… I knew there was something wrong and the doctors didnt want to listen. I know there is something wrong now, im just scared its the same thing all over again (minus the drug use)… Since having the endocarditis i have had 3 strokes, started having nasty seizures, and ive had a heart attack… I am 24 years old. I cannot stand for more than a maximum of 10 minutes at a times because my heart cannot take it, i still have pass out spells randomly, a hard time breathing, nasty chest pain, heart palpitations, and im fighting disability, not because i want to but unfortunately because i HAVE too… If you feel there is something wrong, then do not hesistate to go to the doctors regardless of what they think… I was told that if i had not gone to the hospital when i did with the pustules, i would have died within MAYBE a week or less… So please, you know your body better than anyone else, if you know or feel there is something wrong, whether they find something or not please go to the doctors! for months the doctors told me they couldnt find anything and that this was all in my head until i was almost dead in their patient room. Do not ever let someone tell you its all in your head… because mine wasnt, mine was real, even after the months of someone telling me it was all in my head… I hope you get some news, and good luck! |
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Hailey Krsyzckowski says on November 20th, 2017 at 2:05 pm |
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I had gotten sick beginning of march 2016, started with shortness |
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