What Is Endocarditis?
5. Risk Factors
Endocarditis is more likely to develop in people that have existing heart conditions, especially when there is damage to the endocardium. An endocardium that has a rough surface is more likely to allow pathogens to take hold. Patients that have had endocarditis in the past are also more likely to develop it again.
People that were born with heart defects are more likely to develop the infection as are people that have had artificial heart valves fitted. If the patient’s natural heart valves have been damaged in some way then they too are more likely to develop endocarditis. People that take drugs intravenously are also more susceptible.
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