Final answer:
Laboratory results indicating cardiac failure due to infectious or valvular disease include elevated white blood cell counts, positive blood cultures, and increased inflammation markers. An echocardiogram may show vegetations or valve dysfunction, potentially leading to surgical intervention like valve repair. Conditions like ischemia and vasculitis that seriously damage the cardiovascular system may require surgical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several laboratory results that can correlate with cardiac failure related to infectious or valvular heart disease. Elevated white blood cell counts, positive blood cultures, and markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can indicate an infection such as endocarditis. An echocardiogram might show vegetations on the heart valves or signs of valve dysfunction. When these conditions are severe and potentially life-threatening, cause significant symptoms, or when medical therapy has been ineffective, surgical intervention, such as valve repair or replacement, may be considered.
Valvular heart diseases, including those brought on by conditions like rheumatic fever, can lead to heart valves not functioning properly. These valvular disorders can result in congestive heart failure due to fluid accumulation. Diagnosis of infective endocarditis involves a combination of blood cultures, echocardiograms, and recognition of clinical symptoms, with treatment typically involving high doses of intravenous antibiotics.
Conditions such as ischemia and vasculitis can also harm the cardiovascular system and might require surgical interventions like debridement or amputation if tissue necrosis occurs.