Hospitalization is often required initially to treat administer intravenous antibiotics. Long-term antibiotic therapy is required to eradicate the bacteria from the heart chambers and vegetations on the valves.

Therapy up to 6 weeks is not uncommon. The chosen antibiotic must be specific for the organism causing the condition. This is determined by the blood culture and the sensitivity tests.

Activity is restricted to bed rest initially, then it is gradually increased as the condition improves. No special diet (such as a low-salt diet) is necessary, unless it is required because of an underlying heart disorder.

If heart failure develops as a result of damaged heart valves, or if the infection is breaking off in little pieces resulting in a series of strokes, surgery to replace the affected heart valve may be indicated.

Early treatment of endocarditis improves the chances of a good outcome.

• congestive heart failure if treatment is delayed
• blood clots or emboli that travel to brain, kidneys, lungs, or abdomen, causing severe damage to these organs
• arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat), such as atrial fibrillation
• glomerulonephritis
• severe heart valve damage
• stroke
• brain abscess
• brain or nervous system changes
• jaundice

Call your health care provider if you note the following symptoms during or after treatment:

• weight loss without change in diet
• blood in urine
• chest pain
• weakness
• fatigue
• numbness
• fever