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Infective endocarditis is a greater risk in patients with:

A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Coronary artery disease
C. Left ventricular aneurysm
D. Prosthetic heart valve

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A prosthetic heart valve is the condition that poses the greatest risk for developing infective endocarditis compared to atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, or left ventricular aneurysm.

Step-by-step explanation:

Infective endocarditis is a greater risk in patients with a prosthetic heart valve. This condition, an infection of the endocardium, is triggered by various bacteria entering the bloodstream and attacking the heart's lining, particularly where previous damage or artificial devices are present. Those with a history of rheumatic fever or inherent valve issues are also at increased risk. Of all the options available - atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, left ventricular aneurysm, and prosthetic heart valve - having a prosthetic heart valve poses the highest risk for developing infective endocarditis due to the increased likelihood of bacteria adhering to the artificial material of the valve and the heart tissue surrounding it.

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