Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal type of heart infection. It's specifically an infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium).
Common symptoms of endocarditis include a high temperature (fever), chills, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
If your heart valves are damaged, or if you have an artificial valve, it will be easier for bacteria to take root and trigger an infection.
To diagnose endocarditis, your GP will look closely at your medical history, paying particular attention to any problems that you may have had with your heart.
Most cases of endocarditis can be treated with a course of antibiotics though you may have to be admitted to hospital
If you have an increased risk of developing endocarditis, it is important that you limit your exposure to any infection that could trigger it.