|
Hospitalization is often required initially to administer intravenous antibiotics. Long-term antibiotic therapy is required to eradicate the bacteria from the heart chambers and valves.
Text Continues Below
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.
|
.gif)
