Endocarditis

Did you know that the walls of your heart are made up of three layers?  The outer layer is called the epicardium, the middle layer is the myocardium, and the innermost layer is the endocardium. 

Inflammation of this innermost layer and of your heart valves is called endocarditis. Endocarditis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria enter your bloodstream from another part of your body and are more likely to attach to damaged areas in your heart.  Because of this, you are at higher risk of developing endocarditis if you already have a damaged or artificial heart valve.

Use this condition center to learn more about endocarditis.