silly question

hi everyone first id like to wishevery one a lovley xmas and wish you all well for the new year ,ell ive not been on for a while and this may seem like a silly question but have to ask ,hubby has a merchanical mitral valve and a pm ,was woundering if a sore throat an flu like symptoms can affect any of these may seem silly but was told a while ago by somone if he gets a bad throat we have to c doc as may affect valve does any one no if this true oe has anyone heard of this before many regards elaine

4 Comments

Endocarditis

by Edouard - 2010-12-13 05:12:56

Hi Bullseye
I suspect that the doctor may be concerned that your husband could be susceptible to endocarditis should he suffer from a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
Endocarditis is a life-threatening illness of the mitral valve and can be caused by a number of bacterial (not viral) infections such as strep throat or even bleeding gums.
My wife was hospitalized some six years ago because of endocarditis. When she was released, she had to get a PICC line leading straight into the heart, through which she received over a month's infusion of antibiotics.
Your question is not silly. This is not something to fool around with. If your husband gets a fever, severe sore throat, and possibly also persistent headaches, contact your doctor immediately.
Regards
Edouard

absolutely

by jessie - 2010-12-13 07:12:29

streptococcus infections can affect the heart if not treated. if the throat is very sore and there is fever it is always best to go and see a physician. edouard's advice is very accurate. jessie

I agree

by TalkinCardio - 2010-12-13 08:12:48

I also have a mechanical mitral valve and pm. I had endocarditis in the past and know that if there's a chance he has an infection, it needs to be treated.

Cathy

everyone

by Tracey_E - 2010-12-15 11:12:48

Everyone should be wary of a bad sore throat accompanied by a fever because if it's strep it can lead to endocarditis. It's serious for anyone but those of us with a heart condition should be extra wary because we can't afford further damage to our hearts. If anyone in my family gets a sore throat that lasts more than a day or two, or immediately if there's a fever or white spots in the mouth, we head straight to the dr get a culture. Sometimes the pediatricians like to wait if there's no fever but I tell them I have a heart condition and they always get us in immediately. Better safe than sorry!

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