ICD-Code B37.6: Candidal endocarditis

You have a fungal condition in your heart.

You have got a yeast fungus that has spread. In most people, yeast fungus is found on the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and digestive tract. This is normal. The yeast fungus sometimes spreads more than usual. This can happen when the immune system is weak, for example. The immune system can be weakened by certain illnesses or medicines. It may also be weakened if the kidneys stop working properly.

The fungal infection has resulted in inflammation of the thin membrane inside your heart. When the thin membrane inside the heart is inflamed, the heart valves in particular may be affected.The heart pumps blood through the body. Inside the heart are 4 chambers. There are 2 heart atria and 2 ventricles. Both heart atria and both ventricles are separated from each other by a partition.There are 4 valves in the heart. These valves ensure that the blood flows in the right direction. So they have to close tightly. They also have to open up fully so that the blood can be properly pumped out of the heart.

If heart valves are damaged, this can affect the functioning of the heart. The exact effects depend, for example, on how the affected heart valves have changed. If a heart valve is narrowed, the blood does not flow as well through it. If a heart valve is leaking, some blood may flow back through the valve each time the heart beats. The heart may then have to work harder to pump enough blood through the altered valve.

Depending on the exact nature of the changes in the heart valves, you may experience shortness of breath or a rapid heartbeat. You may also feel weak or tired. One may also feel dizzy or have chest pains when certain changes occur to the heart’s valves. If the heart can no longer pump enough blood, this can cause back-up. This can cause fluid to accumulate, for example in the legs or lungs.