ENDOCARDITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Endocarditis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation or infection of the inner lining of the heart, known as the endocardium. The endocardium is a smooth, thin tissue layer that lines the chambers of the heart and covers the heart valves.
Endocarditis typically occurs as a result of bacteria or other microorganisms entering the bloodstream and attaching to the damaged or abnormal areas of the endocardium. These microorganisms can travel through the bloodstream from other parts of the body, such as an infected tooth, infected skin, or a urinary tract infection. Individuals with underlying heart conditions, such as damaged heart valves or congenital heart defects, are at a higher risk of developing endocarditis.
Common symptoms of endocarditis may include high fever, fatigue, chills, muscle and joint pain, night sweats, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and a persistent cough. In severe cases, endocarditis may lead to complications such as heart valve damage, heart failure, abscess formation, or septicemia, which is a life-threatening bloodstream infection.
Diagnosis of endocarditis is often made through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, blood tests to detect infection and inflammation, electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart function, and echocardiogram, a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart.
Treatment for endocarditis usually involves a course of antibiotic therapy. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if complications or the risk of complications are present. In such cases, intravenous antibiotics are administered, and surgical intervention may be required to repair damaged heart valves or remove infected tissue.
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Inflammation of the endocardium, or lining membrane of the heart. It may involve only the membrane covering the valves, valvular e., or the general lining of the chambers of the heart, mural e.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOCARDITIS
Etymology of ENDOCARDITIS
The word endocarditis has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term is derived from two components:
1. endo- which comes from the Greek word endon meaning within or inside.
2. card- which is from the Greek word kardia meaning heart.
Additionally, the suffix -itis is added to indicate inflammation.
Therefore, endocarditis literally means inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.
Similar spelling words for ENDOCARDITIS
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