20 Symptoms of Endocarditis to Look Out For

Endocarditis might not be a term you hear every day, but recognizing its warning signs could save a life—possibly your own. This serious infection targets the endocardium, the delicate inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. When harmful bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream—often through dental procedures, body piercings, IV drug use, or even untreated skin sores—they can latch onto damaged heart tissue and trigger dangerous inflammation. Left unchecked, endocarditis can lead to irreversible heart valve damage, stroke, or even death. Because the symptoms can be subtle or mimic less serious conditions, early detection is crucial. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests, imaging (like CT scans or echocardiograms), and electrocardiograms. To help you stay informed and vigilant, we’ve expanded our guide to include 20 symptoms of endocarditis you shouldn’t ignore. Knowing what to look for could make all the difference—because when it comes to heart health, timing is everything.

1. Muscle And Joint Aches

Over forty percent of endocarditis patients experience muscle and joint aches. Joint aches that result from endocarditis typically only affect one to three joints. This joint and muscle pain also manifests in a pattern that is not symmetrical. The pain complaints in such individuals are said to be similar to those observed in individuals affected by rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, and Reiter's syndrome. This symptom occurs when the endocarditis causing pathogen mobilizes and attacks the synovial membranes and fluids of the joints. The pathogen colonizes in the synovial fluid that sits between the joints and summons an immunological response. This mechanism causes blood vessel dilation, redness, swelling, and inflammation in the affected joints. When the synovial fluid becomes inflamed, the affected individual will experience sensations of pain because it cannot provide lubrication and protection to the bones. Joint and muscle pain are most commonly reported in endocarditis patients in their shoulders, knees, and back. In many patients, muscle and joint pain can be the first symptomatic manifestation of endocarditis. These pains can show up months before other symptoms, causing many physicians to overlook endocarditis as the underlying cause.