Final answer:
Infective endocarditis is a serious condition where bacteria infect the heart's endocardium, potentially causing heart failure, stroke, or sepsis. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, and in severe cases, may result in the need for heart valve replacement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infective endocarditis (bacterial endocarditis) is a life-threatening disease because microorganisms that colonize the endocardium may cause valvular damage and lead to severe complications including heart failure, sepsis, and stroke. The endocardium is susceptible to infection by various bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures or other events that breach normal bodily barriers. Individuals with preexisting heart damage or prosthetic heart devices are at an increased risk for developing endocarditis. Vegetations consisting of bacteria and blood clot formations can damage the heart valves, potentially requiring surgical replacement.
When diagnosing infective endocarditis, medical professionals utilize blood cultures, echocardiogram, and clinical symptoms to confirm the presence of infection. The inflammation caused by endocarditis can result in the fibrosis of heart valves and, in severe cases, can necessitate heart valve replacement. Treatment involves high doses of intravenous antibiotics tailored to the specific microorganisms causing the infection. If left untreated, endocarditis can rapidly lead to death.