1. Know the Primary Symptoms of Culture-Negative Endocarditis
Culture-negative endocarditis is a cardiopulmonary condition that causes infection and inflammation of the lining of the heart. While it is most common with people with a history of congenital heart defects, some individuals may contract this condition through intravenous drug use or frequent infections such as dental abscesses. The most common symptoms of this type of endocarditis include severe fatigue, fever and a marked difficulty in breathing patterns.
2. Meet With Your Physician to Spot Additional Symptoms
If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms of culture-negative endocarditis, you should visit your physician immediately for a series of cardiac exams. These exams may include electrocardiograms (ECG), chest x-rays, blood cultures and CBC blood tests, along with at least two types of echocardiograms. Your physician will be trying to spot more specific symptoms of culture-negative endocarditis such as tachycardia (fast heartbeat), fever and heart murmurs.
3. Match the Symptoms With Your Risk
To diagnose culture-negative endocarditis properly, you may need to match the symptoms with the likelihood that you are at high risk for this condition. Patients who experienced rheumatic fever as a child may have a higher risk of developing endocarditis as a result of weakened heart valves. People who have been treated for congenital heart defects in the past and have been recipients of heart valve transplants or prostheses are also more likely to contract this disease. As mentioned before, intravenous drug users are also susceptible to all types of endocarditis.
4. Look for Recurring Infections
Culture-negative endocarditis may also be the result of bacteria spreading into the chest cavity and infecting the lining of the heart. Frequent abscesses and infections can cause culture-negative endocarditis, and vice versa. The most common types of infections that are linked to endocarditis include dental abscesses, infected catheters or skin lesions.
