What Is Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
4. What Is Endocarditis?
Endocarditis refers to any bacterial infection within the endocardium, a thin membrane that lines the heart. Under normal conditions, this membrane serves as a barrier that protects the heart valves and chambers from bacteria. A person who has mitral valve prolapse is at a higher risk of getting an infection in this lining.
These infections can have serious implications. Bacterial infections cause the formation of clumps in the endocardium. It is possible for these clumps to break free and travel to other parts of the body, leading to strokes, kidney damage, an enlarged spleen, seizures and a pulmonary embolism as well as heart problems.
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