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Can an infection cause a heart murmur?
In older children and adults, causes of abnormal heart murmurs include infections and conditions that damage the structures of the heart. For example: Valve calcification. This hardening or thickening of valves, as in mitral stenosis or aortic valve stenosis, can occur as you age.
What bacteria can affect the heart?
Two kinds of bacteria cause most cases of bacterial endocarditis. These are staphylococci (staph) and streptococci (strep). You may be at increased risk for bacterial endocarditis if you have certain heart valve problems.
Can an infection affect your heart?
Heart infections occur when an irritant such as bacteria, a virus, a parasite, or a chemical reaches your heart muscle. An infection can cause inflammation or damage to your heart’s inner lining, valves, outer membrane, or the heart muscle itself.
Can a bacterial infection affect your heart?
Endocarditis is usually caused by an infection. Bacteria, fungi or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. If it’s not treated quickly, endocarditis can damage or destroy your heart valves.
What does heart infection feel like?
General symptoms of a heart infection include chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can also be present with a life-threatening condition, such as heart attack. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have these symptoms.
What happens to your heart if you have heart murmurs?
Abnormal heart murmurs. Endocarditis. This infection of the inner lining of your heart and valves typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and lodge in your heart. Left untreated, endocarditis can damage or destroy your heart valves.
Are there any congenital defects that cause heart murmurs?
Common congenital defects that cause heart murmurs include: Holes in the heart or cardiac shunts. Known as septal defects, holes in the heart may or may not be serious, depending on the size of the hole and its location. Heart valve abnormalities.
Can a heart infection be caused by bacteria?
According to the Mayo Clinic, if your heart is healthy, you are less likely to develop BE, although it is still possible. Bacteria that causes infection tends to stick to and multiply on damaged or surgically replaced heart valves, or on heart lining that has a rough surface.
Can a viral infection cause dilated cardiomyopathy?
If the viral infection lasts for a long time, it can damage the structure and function of the heart muscle and may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus may cause pericarditis or myocarditis. They can also damage the heart valves, which can lead to endocarditis.