2024-02-02 16:00:00
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Viruses and bacteria can massively attack the heart. Here Professor Markus Krane from the German Heart Center Munich explains the biggest risk factors.
You feel weak and weak, you are often tired, you have little appetite, and you often have a fever and sometimes body aches. Anyone who suffers from such symptoms usually first thinks of an infection – like Lisa-Marie Sangl. Very few people expect heart disease. No wonder, because endocarditis, as the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart or the heart valves is called in medical terms, is comparatively rare. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection – other than a Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), usually caused by viruses becomes.
Heart surgeon Professor Markus Krane: Streptococci or staphylococci can cause heart inflammation
“Bacteria such as streptococci from the oral cavity or staphylococci that are on the skin are often responsible for endocarditis,” explains Prof. Markus Krane, director of the Clinic for cardiac and vascular surgery in the German Heart Center.
Prof. Markus Krane heads cardiac surgery at the German Heart Center. © Heart Center
Symptoms of insidious heart inflammation: It’s better to go to the doctor too much than too little
The good news is that not everyone who carries these types of bacteria in their blood will necessarily suffer from endocarditis. And if endocarditis is detected early, it can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, people with risk factors in particular should be particularly careful and, if they have symptoms of illness, it is better to go to the doctor too often rather than too little. “The disease develops gradually. It can be life-threatening, so it is important to recognize it early,” warns Krane. Because the symptoms are often not clearly identifiable, diagnosis is often a challenge. Clinical examinations, blood tests, ultrasound examinations of the heart (echocardiography) and sometimes other imaging procedures such as computer tomography (CT) help. These are the most common risk factors:
Periodontitis: Bacteria enter the bloodstream from the mouth
Anyone who suffers from periodontitis runs the risk of bacteria settling in so-called tooth pockets around the necks of the teeth and from there entering the bloodstream. This can also happen during dental treatment, such as the insertion of artificial tooth roots (implants). Experts then speak of dentogenic endocarditis.
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Increased risk of endocarditis with certain heart diseases
People with heart valve disease, congenital heart defects or artificial heart valves have an increased risk of developing inflammation of the heart valves. The reason: The bacteria can more easily attach themselves to damaged or unnatural heart valves.
Pacemakers and other medical devices are vulnerable to bacteria
Devices such as pacemakers or intravascular catheters that are permanently anchored in the body or at least for a longer period of time, for example for administering medication, offer a target for the bacteria.
Caution: How to recognize a heart attack immediately
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Don’t underestimate spread infections
If you don’t cure an infection properly, you weaken your immune system. This makes it more difficult for the body to fight bacteria that it would be able to deal with better in a healthy state. They can then spread more easily in the bloodstream.
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