Risk factors

You're more likely to develop endocarditis if you have faulty, diseased or damaged heart valves. However, endocarditis does occasionally occur in previously healthy people.

You have an increased risk of endocarditis if you have:

• Older age. Endocarditis occurs most often in older adults over age 60.
• Artificial heart valves. Germs are more likely to attach to an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve than to a normal heart valve.
• Damaged heart valves. Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatic fever or infection, can damage or scar one or more of your heart valves, increasing the risk of infection.
• Congenital heart defects. If you were born with certain types of heart defects, such as an irregular heart or abnormal heart valves, your heart may be more susceptible to infection.
• Implanted heart device. Bacteria can attach to an implanted device, such as a pacemaker, causing an infection of the heart's lining.
• A history of endocarditis. Endocarditis can damage heart tissue and valves, increasing the risk of a future heart infection.
• A history of illegal IV drug use. People who use illegal drugs by injecting them are at a greater risk of endocarditis. The needles used to inject drugs can be contaminated with the bacteria that can cause endocarditis.
• Poor dental health. A healthy mouth and healthy gums are essential for good health. If you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria can grow inside your mouth and may enter your bloodstream through a cut on your gums.
• Long-term catheter use. Having a catheter in place for a long period of time (indwelling catheter) increases your risk of endocarditis.

If you're at risk of endocarditis, let all of your doctors know. You may want to request an endocarditis wallet card from the American Heart Association. Check with your local chapter or print the card from the association's website.