Causes
Bacteria Lodged on Abnormal Heart Valves
Bacteria normally live in your mouth and upper respiratory tract, intestinal and urinary tracts, and on your skin.
Mitral valve endocarditis occurs when these bacteria enter your bloodstream through a break in the skin, from intravenous drug use or from a medical or dental procedure, and lodge on abnormal heart valves.
Depending on the aggressiveness of the infecting bacteria, the heart damage caused by endocarditis can be swift and severe (acute) or slower (subacute).