Each year, approximately 1,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with endocarditis—a rare but serious infection affecting the heart’s inner lining, including its chambers and valves. This condition can severely damage the heart and, if untreated, may become life-threatening.
Recognizing endocarditis early is essential to avoid dangerous complications. Surprisingly, some of its signs may appear far from the heart itself. One notable indicator, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), is a change in the fingernails.
These changes, known as splinter haemorrhages, appear as unusual dark or reddish-brown lines beneath the nails. They run in the direction of nail growth and result from tiny blood clots that damage the delicate capillaries under the nail surface. While splinter haemorrhages can also result from physical trauma—such as hitting your nail—or underlying conditions like diabetes, and certain medications (e.g., aspirin), persistent occurrence across multiple nails without a clear cause warrants medical attention.
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Other visible symptoms of endocarditis may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle and joint aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
These symptoms can often be mistaken for common ailments like the flu, and endocarditis may develop gradually over weeks or months. Occasionally, symptoms appear suddenly.
The British Heart Foundation emphasizes: “Infective endocarditis can be fatal if left untreated. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are critically important. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice these symptoms.”
Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, supported by regular monitoring through GP visits and blood tests. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged heart tissue or drain abscesses.
If left untreated, endocarditis can cause severe heart damage, leading to heart failure and increasing the risk of stroke.
To reduce the risk of endocarditis, maintaining excellent hygiene—particularly oral, dental, and hand hygiene—is vital. This practice helps prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream through infections in the mouth or skin.
Individuals at higher risk of endocarditis include those with pre-existing heart conditions, weakened immune systems, or recent invasive medical procedures.