The different types of heart infections are endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. These infections occur when irritants such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi infect your heart.
Types of Heart Infections
Heart infections can affect different parts of the heart, leading to varying conditions:
- Endocarditis: This infection affects the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves (endocardium).
- Myocarditis: This infection involves inflammation of the heart muscle itself (myocardium).
- Pericarditis: This condition involves the inflammation of the sac-like structure surrounding the heart (pericardium).
Here's a table summarizing the types of heart infections:
| Infection Type | Affected Area | Causes | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endocarditis | Inner lining of the heart | Bacteria, fungi, other irritants | Medications, and in some cases, surgery |
| Myocarditis | Heart muscle | Viruses, bacteria, other irritants | Medications, treating the underlying cause |
| Pericarditis | Sac around the heart | Viruses, bacteria, other irritants | Medications, and rarely, fluid drainage |
Heart infections are often treated with medication. However, serious cases may require surgery. The specific treatment approach depends on the type of infection and its severity.
