What are key features of infective endocarditis?

Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, and it often presents with a specific set of clinical features due to the nature of the infection and its effects on the cardiovascular system. The key features that align with this condition include a heart murmur, fever, and night sweats.

The presence of a heart murmur is significant as it may indicate damage or disruption to the heart valves caused by the infection or the presence of vegetations—clumps of bacteria and blood cells that form on the heart valves. Fever is a common systemic response indicating an infection, as the body raises its temperature to help fight off pathogens. Night sweats can occur as a result of the body's immune response and the inflammatory processes that take place during the infection.

The other choices include symptoms that are either nonspecific or do not align closely with the classic manifestations of infective endocarditis. High blood pressure may not be a direct feature of the condition; instead, patients might experience changes in blood pressure due to other underlying issues. Stomach pain and joint pain are not typical indicators of infective endocarditis, though some patients might experience joint pain as a secondary effect. Shortness of breath and lung congestion may occur