Other causes include infections or other medical conditions where bacteria can spread from the origin, and catheters or needles where bacteria can enter easily (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). Symptoms of endocarditis may develop slowly over time or acutely (Levy, 2010)
Endocarditis, a heart condition, "is an infection of the inner lining of the heart," the inner lining being the endocardium (Mayo Clinic Staff)
However, when prosthetic valves or conduits are used in surgical repairs and hemodynamic problems persist, the risk for IE is high even in the immediate postoperative period (first 2 weeks after surgery)." (Ferrieri, et al
+High initial patient risks include prosthetic heart valves, many congenital heart diseases, previous endocarditis, new murmur, heart failure, or other stigmata of endocarditis. Rx indicates antibiotic treatment for endocarditis." (Bayer, et al