Question Title: Sub-acute endocarditis?

Is there such a thing as sub-acute endocarditits? Does sub-acute endocarditis progress? In 1985 I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse by echocardiogram. I took antibiotics before dental procedures for about 6 years. At this point after having some strange/new palpatations a specialist said I did not have have MVP (because he could not hear it with his stethascope) but my heart simply was not pumping or reacting properly when I changed positions, it pounded very hard like I had just run uphill. Anyway, he said I should no longer take antibiotics for MVP. I went for years without noticable palpatations, however they are back now but much stronger and lasting longer(it's been one straight month, I am aware of them about 60%of the time). My doctor said they are benign artial contractions. I throw an extra beat then my heart pauses before another. I am also running an intermittant low grade fever (99-100.6), have chills, increased fatigue, night sweats, pounding heart, pulse is sometimes 100 without exertion,have a splinter hemmorage under pinkie nail...Here's the problem, I have Crohn's and a history of Chronic Fatigue Immune Disorder Syndrome. Many of these symptoms also cross over to both these illnesses. The thing is both of these illnesses have been in "remissions" of sorts so I'm not sure what to attribute these symptoms to. So that's why I asked the first two questions. In other words, if this is endocaritis will I know it for sure sooner or later?

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Dear Lilli,

Thank you for your question. The term subacute endocarditis refers to a chronic infection of the heart valve. The diagnosis is made using blood cultures for bacteria coming from the infected valve. It would be unusual to get endocarditis if you do not have any abnormality of the heart valve to start with. The best way to check for a heart valve abnormality is to get an echocardiogram. Your doctor can order these tests for you if he feels they are appropriate.

I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

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