Diagnosis
The diagnosis of mitral valve endocarditis is based on whether you have symptoms, as well as the results of a physical exam and diagnostic tests.
Blood Cultures
Typically, blood cultures will show bacteria or microorganisms often found with endocarditis, especially staphylococcus or streptococcus. These cultures allow a laboratory to isolate the particular bacteria that may be causing the infection.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Your physician will also order an electrocardiogram or ECG that:
- Shows the condition of your heart valve as well as growths or abscesses.
- Charts the electrical activity of your heart and can show abnormal heartbeats, heart muscle damage and enlargement of the heart.
- Uses sticky patches with electrodes attached to your skin to track the electrical pulses given off by your heart.
- Translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper.
- Gives information about heart rhythm and size.