Infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, usually caused by bacteria. This serious condition can damage heart valves and spread infection throughout the body if untreated.
From Greek 'endon' (within) + 'kardia' (heart) + '-itis' (inflammation). The condition was first described by Lazare Rivière in 1646, but the infectious nature wasn't understood until the bacteriological discoveries of the late 1800s. The term evolved as microscopic examination revealed bacteria growing on heart valve tissue.
Endocarditis can be caused by something as simple as brushing your teeth too vigorously! Bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and seed damaged or abnormal heart valves.
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