Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, the endocardium. The most common structures involved are the heart valves.
Endocarditis can be classified by etiology as either infective or non-infective, depending on whether a microorganism is the source of the problem.

American Heart Association - Details as to what bacterial endocarditis is, how it occurs, who is at risk, what procedures carry the greatest risks, prevention, and shows a wallet card to carry if there is a risk.
Meta Description: [ Endocarditis is also called bacterial endocarditis or infectious endocarditis. This is a rare but very serious disease. You're at risk for developing endocarditis if earlier information referred you to this section. ]
Antibiotic Treatment of Adults With Infective Endocarditis - Due to streptococci, enterococci, staphylococci, and HACEK microorganisms: by American Heart Association.
Bacterial Endocarditis - Ernest G. Brookfield, M.D.(pediatrics) discusses this disease, what it is and what the causes are, complications, symptoms, tests and prevention.
Bacterial Endocarditis Presenting with Decreased Vision - A case study of a 31 year old man diagnosed in London, Ontario, Canada.
Children's Heart Center - A description of endocarditis and how we can prevent it.
Diagnosis and Management of Infective Endocarditis and Its Complications - American Heart Association Scientific Statement.
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drkoop.com: Endocarditis - Extensive look at the causes, risks, prevention, symptoms, signs and tests, prognosis, complications. Also a list of symptoms to call your health care provider for after treatment.
Endocarditis - Looks at this disease and gives the definition, causes, incidents and risk factor. Also covers culture-negative and infective endocarditis.
Heart Point - A look at endocarditis, explaining what it is, who should take antibiotics for dental and certain other procedures, and cardiac conditions associated with the risk.
Non-infective Endocarditis - The Merck Manual: A look at the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
On Health - An explanation along with discussion on symptoms, causes and treatments and complications for endocarditis.
Personal MD.com: Infective Endocarditis - James Beckerman M.D. looks at the causes, signs, symptoms, complications, treatment and prevention. Also a visual chart showing risk factors.
Preventing Bacterial Endocarditis: American Heart Association Guidelines - February 1, 1998 - American Family Physician - An explanation of what this disease is and who is at risk. Also detailed guidelines for the procedures requiring antibiotic prophylaxis and the dosage and type required.
Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis - Recommendations by the American Heart Association.
RxMed: Endocarditis - Details covered are what endocarditis is, signs and symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosing and treatment, activity, complications and prognosis.
The Merck Manual - A look at endocarditis, the symptoms and signs, diagnosing, prognosis, prophylaxis, treatment, valve surgery, and response to treatment.
The University of New South Wales - Image of bacterial infection on mitral valve. Click on the image and get a further explanation.
Treatment of Adults With Infective Endocarditis - Antibiotic treatment of adults with this disease due to streptococci, enterococci, staphylococci, and HACEK microorganisms.
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