Heart Infections: Types and More

A heart infection is a serious infection that can lead to damage and life threatening complications. Bacteria, viruses, and, rarely, fungi can cause a heart infection. Types of heart infections can include pericarditis, endocarditis, and myocarditis.

This article will explain what a heart infection is and the different types, causes, and treatments.

A heart infection occurs when damage from a virus or bacteria leads to inflammation of your heart’s inner lining, the valves, or the heart muscle.

Your heart has three main layers, any of which can be the site of a heart infection. Depending on what type of heart infection it is, symptoms may include:

• heart palpitations
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• fever
• fatigue

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There are three primary types of heart infections, all of which can cause various symptoms. There are three primary types of heart infections, also known as cardiac infections, all of which can cause various symptoms.

Diagnosing heart infections or any heart issue may include:

• blood tests
• echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart
• electrocardiogram, which tests the electrical activity of the heart

Endocarditis is a rare infection or inflammation of the endocardium. This is the innermost layer of the heart. The endocardium lines the inside of the four heart chambers and the four heart valves.

Endocarditis can result from bacteria or fungus entering the bloodstream.

Signs and symptoms of endocarditis include:

• persistent fever
• heart murmur
• shortness of breath even while resting
• chest pain
• night sweats

Life-threatening symptoms of endocarditis include having a stroke and heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood to supply the body efficiently.

Risk factors for endocarditis include:

• having an artificial heart valve
• having congenital heart disease
• having damaged heart valves
• using intravenous drugs

Most cases Trusted Source AHA/ASA Journals Peer reviewed journal Go to source of endocarditis are treated with antibiotics, but some may need surgery to repair the damage done to the heart.

Read more about endocarditis.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure of two layers surrounding the heart. Fluid between the two layers keeps them separate, helping Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source to hold the heart in place and lubricate the beating heart.

It is often acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and can clear up quickly, but can be chronic, meaning it comes on gradually and can last a long period of time.

Common symptoms include chest pain, which can often feel like a heart attack. Chest pain may be Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source sharp and worse with taking a deep breath and laying flat.

Causes include Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source :

• viruses
• bacteria
• fungi
• heart attack
• previous heart surgery
• anti-seizure medication and blood-thinning medication
• certain conditions such as HIV, cancer, or kidney failure
• radiation therapy

Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, steroids, or antibiotics if caused by a bacterial infection.

Read more about pericarditis.

Myocarditis is, again, a rare Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source infection of the heart resulting from a viral infection.

The inflammation in myocarditis can damage the heart muscle, impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood and oxygen to the body.

It can affect people with no pre-existing health conditions, children, and healthy, young athletic people.

Symptoms of myocarditis are often difficult to pinpoint since they mimic other cardiac problems, and patients can often be asymptomatic. However, they can include Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source :

• fatigue
• fever
• palpitations
• flu-like symptoms
• shortness of breath

Causes may include Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source :

• viral infections
• autoimmune disorders
• bacterial infections
• certain drugs and environmental toxins

Treatment of myocarditis depends Trusted Source AHA/ASA Journals Peer reviewed journal Go to source on the underlying cause. Medications such as corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications may be used. In severe cases, more invasive treatments may be required, such as the placement of a ventricular assist device or a heart transplant.

Read more about myocarditis.

Heart infection symptoms can be obvious and develop quickly or can be vague and develop gradually over months.

The most common symptoms of a heart infection are:

• chest pain, especially with breathing
• heart palpitations
• fatigue
• fever, chills, and sweats
• shortness of breath
• swelling in the abdomen or lower extremities

General symptoms of a heart infection include chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. Some symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, overlap with those of a heart attack.

In some cases, a heart infection can cause life threatening complications. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life threatening symptoms, including:

• chest pain
• confusion, disorientation, or difficulty understanding speech
• drooping on one side of the face
• severe headache
• slurred or garbled speech, or inability to speak
• sudden vision changes
• sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body or face

Even if you do not have these potentially life threatening symptoms, it is wise to seek medical care for any symptoms of heart infection.

Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of heart infections.

This can happen as the result of infections in:

• the skin
• mouth
• lungs
• gut or urinary tract

It can also happen when you have gum disease or undergo certain dental procedures.

Heart valves are vulnerable to infection because they do not have Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source a direct blood supply. This makes it difficult for the immune system to reach them.

Complications of a heart infection can be serious and life threatening. Left untreated, endocarditis can lead to stroke and damage to the heart valves and lining.

This can also occur in severe cases despite starting antibiotic treatment. Surgery may be necessary to prevent stroke, or repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Angela Ryan Lee, MD, FACC, has reviewed the following frequently asked questions.

Life expectancy for heart infections depends on several factors, including:

• the type of infection
• the severity of the condition
• age
• other health conditions

Common warning signs or symptoms include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fever, and fatigue.

Endocarditis can develop suddenly, as in acute infective endocarditis, or over a period of months, as in subacute bacterial endocarditis.

Heart infections usually result from viral or bacterial infections. Types of heart infections include endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis.

Depending on the type of heart infection, symptoms may include shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and heart palpitations.

Treatment often includes antibiotics and medications and may also include surgery if there’s extensive damage to the heart.