Endocarditis affects which human organ?

Endocarditis is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the heart lining, heart muscles, and heart valves. It is twice as common in men as in women. In the United States, over 25 percent of cases affect people aged 60 years or above. Studies suggest that endocarditis affects at least 4 in every 100,000 people each year, and that the number is increasing.

Endocarditis can happen when bacteria or fungi enter the body because of an infection, or when normally harmless bacteria that live in the mouth, upper respiratory tract, or other parts of the body attack the heart tissue. Normally, the immune system can destroy these unwanted micro-organisms, but any damage to the heart valves can allow them to attach themselves to the heart and to multiply.