Patients with risk factors such as intravenous drug use should be referred promptly to a cessation programme.[3]Baddour LM, Weimer MB, Wurcel AG, et al. Management of infective endocarditis in people who inject drugs: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022 Oct 4;146(14):e187-201.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001090
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36043414?tool=bestpractice.com
[89]Sandoe JAT, Ahmed F, Arumugam P, et al. Expert consensus recommendations for the provision of infective endocarditis services: updated guidance from the Joint British Societies. Heart. 2023 Aug 11;109(17):e2.
https://heart.bmj.com/content/109/17/e2.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36898706?tool=bestpractice.com
In addition, all patients should be educated regarding the signs and symptoms of IE, as, if there is a recurrence, early treatment may prevent long-term complications.[89]Sandoe JAT, Ahmed F, Arumugam P, et al. Expert consensus recommendations for the provision of infective endocarditis services: updated guidance from the Joint British Societies. Heart. 2023 Aug 11;109(17):e2.
https://heart.bmj.com/content/109/17/e2.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36898706?tool=bestpractice.com
NHS Choices: endocarditis
Opens in new window Patients should be offered follow-up in a cardiology clinic.[89]Sandoe JAT, Ahmed F, Arumugam P, et al. Expert consensus recommendations for the provision of infective endocarditis services: updated guidance from the Joint British Societies. Heart. 2023 Aug 11;109(17):e2.
https://heart.bmj.com/content/109/17/e2.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36898706?tool=bestpractice.com