CVS Practice Test

Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart and its valves, often associated with certain risk factors, one of which is intravenous drug use. The tricuspid valve is typically the valve most commonly affected in intravenous drug users due to the route of administration for the drugs, which often involves the use of non-sterile needles. This practice can introduce bacteria directly into the bloodstream, leading to infections that preferentially target the right side of the heart.

The tricuspid valve, being located between the right atrium and right ventricle, is particularly vulnerable in these cases. The bacteria often adhere to the valve, leading to vegetative growth, which constitutes infective endocarditis. In contrast, other heart valves such as the aortic and mitral valves are less commonly involved in cases originating from IV drug use, as the infection typically spreads to the right-sided structures of the heart first. The pulmonary valve, while it can also be affected, usually sees lower incidences in this specific context as it is not typically a primary site of infection from the common pathways associated with IV drug use. Thus, the tricuspid valve's anatomical location and the pathophysiology of the infection make it the