Bacterial Endocarditis
Signs and Symptoms

Bacterial endocarditis is most likely to occur in patients who have the following conditions:

• Aortic Valve Lesions
• Aortic Coarctation
• Mitral Valve Prolapse
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Transposition of the Great Arteries
• Ventricular Septal Defect

Patients who have successful surgical repair of these heart conditions can greatly reduce their risk of developing bacterial endocarditis.

A common sign of bacterial endocarditis is prolonged fever for two to three days in patients with congenital heart disease, particularly after a dental, intestinal or urinary tract procedure.

Symptoms also may include:

• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Weight loss