# What happens if infective endocarditis is left untreated? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-happens-if-infective-endocarditis-is-not-treated Language: en Category: cardiology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.430Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.430Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-happens-if-infective-endocarditis-is-not-treated If infective endocarditis is not treated quickly, it can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. These complications include permanent damage to heart valves, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). The infection can also spread to other parts of the body, causing blockages in blood vessels or damage to organs such as the brain, lungs, kidneys, and spleen, and it may lead to an emergency condition known as sepsis (blood poisoning) [\[1\]](). ## Heart Damage and Cardiac Complications Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves. When left untreated, germs can clump together with blood cells, forming masses. These masses can break off and travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing blockages in blood flow or spreading the infection. This can lead to serious damage to heart valves, impairing their normal function. Other cardiac complications include heart failure—a condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs—as well as arrhythmias [\[1\]](). ## Spread of Infection and Impact on Other Organs The risks of untreated infective endocarditis are not limited to the heart. The infection can spread to other parts of the body, affecting vital organs. For example, bacterial masses can travel to the brain, lungs, kidneys, or spleen, causing damage to these organs or blockages in the blood vessels that supply them. In some cases, endocarditis may lead to sepsis, which is a severe and dangerous body response to infection that requires emergency medical care [\[1\]](). ## Treatment Options and Medical Interventions Due to the severity of infective endocarditis, prompt treatment is crucial. Treatment typically involves intravenous (IV) antibiotics administered in the hospital to treat the bacterial infection. In cases of fungal infection, antifungal medications may be used, and lifelong treatment may be recommended to prevent recurrence. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged valves or to remove infected tissue [\[1\]](), [\[3\]](). The treatment period may last for weeks, and the patient may require regular check-ups to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to monitor for any potential complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias [\[1\]](). ## The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Preventive Care To reduce the risk of complications, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infective endocarditis are essential. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, or the development of a new or worsening heart murmur, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately [\[1\]](). Medical tests, such as blood tests and heart evaluations, including [Echocardiogram (Arabic)]() or cardiac MRI, can help in diagnosing the condition [\[2\]](). Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can reduce the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, especially for people who are at higher risk of infection [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Endocarditis]() - [Heart Inflammation Endocarditis]() - [Heart Tests Heart Tests]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-happens-if-infective-endocarditis-is-not-treated#answer