{"id":17398,"date":"2019-03-20T15:17:05","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T08:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kembalirehab.com\/?p=17398"},"modified":"2025-03-24T08:53:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T08:53:17","slug":"endocartditis-a-heart-condition-that-can-be-caused-by-intravenous-drug-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amatesting.uk\/kembali\/endocartditis-a-heart-condition-that-can-be-caused-by-intravenous-drug-use\/","title":{"rendered":"Endocartditis: A Heart Condition that can be Caused by Intravenous Drug Use"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s no secret that the opioid crisis has gotten out of hand in recent years. This, in and of itself, is disconcerting, and there\u2019s a laundry list of frightening side effects that come along with opiate use, including overdose, addiction, and mental instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lesser-known side effect, however, that deserves real attention because it\u2019s beginning to take a serious toll on people\u2019s lives\u2014heart infection. This side effect is not to be confused with heart disease, and it\u2019s killing people at an alarming rate, according to a recent Health Day News<\/em> <\/a>report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is Infective Endocarditis?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The condition is specifically called infective endocarditis<\/a>, and it occurs when harmful bacteria build up inside the lining of the heart or on the heart valves. It has the potential to destroy the valves, spread throughout the body, and is life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endocarditis is often associated with heart defects or abnormal valves, but it can also be caused by intravenous drug use, particularly when unsanitary needles are used. While most drug-related cases of this infection are seen in heroin users, the type of drug is not as relevant\u2014heroin simply happens to be the most commonly injected substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Why is Endocarditis So Dangerous?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, heart infection is very difficult to treat, significantly increasing the risk of death. Patients with drug-related endocarditis are often uninsured, making access to care even more challenging. If healthcare professionals are unwilling to take on these cases, the risk of death rises further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, clinicians have observed a staggering increase in opioid-addicted young people cycling in and out of the healthcare system with endocarditis. Early symptoms tend to be non-existent, making treatment difficult because the infection has often progressed before it is detected. The one-year mortality rate is around 30%, which is worse than many cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Symptoms of Infective Endocarditis<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the symptoms associated with this heart infection include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n