Endocarditis is uncommon. In the UK it occurs in about 20 in a million people each year. It can occur in anybody, but the risk of developing it is increased in people who have:
- Heart valve problems or an artificial heart valve. Heart valves that are already damaged or abnormal are more likely to become infected.
- Had surgery to a heart valve.
- Certain congenital heart defects.
- A heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Had a previous episode of infective endocarditis.
- Been injecting street drugs such as heroin with dirty or contaminated needles.
- A poor immune system. For example, people with AIDS.
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