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Endocarditis

Infection of Heart Valves or Endocardium

Endocarditis is an infection of any of your heart's valves, including the aortic valve, or of your heart's inner lining (endocardium).

• Can damage or destroy the valve by causing growths or holes on the valve or scarring of the valve tissue, often causing the valve to leak.
  
• The condition is serious, but uncommon.
  
• Untreated, it can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications.