US Medical Term · conditions
Endocarditis
Endocarditis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Endocarditis |
| Spanish (Español) | Endocarditis |
| Chinese (中文) | 心內膜炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 심내막염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm nội tâm mạc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Endocarditis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Endocardite |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เยื่อบุหัวใจอักเสบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 心内膜炎 |
What it means
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves, known as the endocardium. It usually occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of the body — such as the mouth or skin — spread through the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart. People with artificial heart valves, congenital heart defects, or a history of endocarditis are at higher risk. Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, new or changed heart murmur, and joint pain. Treatment requires prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy, and sometimes surgery to repair or replace damaged valves.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have an artificial heart valve and my dentist says I may need antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent endocarditis.
Tengo una válvula cardíaca artificial y mi dentista dice que podría necesitar antibióticos antes de los procedimientos dentales para prevenir la endocarditis.
I have been running a persistent fever and my doctor wants to check for endocarditis with blood cultures.
He tenido fiebre persistente y mi médico quiere detectar endocarditis con hemocultivos.
How long does antibiotic treatment for bacterial endocarditis typically last?
¿Cuánto tiempo dura generalmente el tratamiento con antibióticos para la endocarditis bacteriana?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
I33 Acute and subacute endocarditisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026