Injection drug use

Permanent central venous access lines

Prior valve surgery

Recent dental surgery

Weakened valves 

Bacterial infection is the most common source of endocarditis. However, it can also be caused by fungi. In some cases, no cause can be identified. 

Abnormal urine color or blood in the urine

Chills or excessive sweating

Fatigue

Fever and/or night sweats

Heart murmur

Joint pain, muscle aches and pains

Nail abnormalities (splinter hemorrhages under the nails)

Paleness

Red, painless skin spots on the palms and soles (Janeway lesions) and/or red, painful nodes in the pads of the fingers and toes (Osler's nodes)

Shortness of breath with activity

Swelling of feet, legs, abdomen

Weakness

Weight loss 

People with endocarditis will often need to be hospitalized at first to receive intravenous antibiotics, as the majority of cases are caused by bacterial infection.  Long-term antibiotic therapy (6 weeks) is needed to get the bacteria out of the heart chambers and valves. The antibiotic must be specific for the organism causing the condition. This is determined by the blood culture and the sensitivity tests. Surgery to replace the heart valve is usually needed when:The infection is breaking off in little pieces, resulting in a series of strokesThe person develops heart failure as a result of damaged heart valvesThere is evidence of organ damage Early treatment of endocarditis improves the chances of a good outcome. However, valve destruction or strokes can result in death. 

Source: "Endocarditis." Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia.