Drawing of endocarditis. Damaged valves and endocardium contribute to the development of<unk> . Specifically, the damaged part of a heart valve forms a local blood clot, a condition known as non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE). The platelet and fibrin deposits that form as part of the blood clotting process allow bacteria to take hold and form vegetations. As previously mentioned, the body has no direct methods of combating valvular vegetations because the valves do not have a dedicated blood supply. This combination of damaged valves, bacterial growth, and lack of a strong immune response results in<unk> . Damage to the valves and endocardium can be caused by: * Altered, turbulent blood flow. The areas that fibrose, clot, or roughen as a result of this altered flow are known as jet lesions. Altered blood flow is more likely in high pressure areas, so ventricular septal defects or patent ductus arteriosus can create more susceptibility than atrial septal defects. * Catheters, electrodes, and other intracardiac prosthetic devices. * Solid particles from repeated intravenous injections. * Chronic inflammation. Examples include auto-immune mechanisms and degenerative valvular lesions. The risk factors for<unk>  provide a more extensive list of conditions that can damage the heart.
Infective endocarditis
Libman–Sacks endocarditis
Loeffler endocarditis
Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis
Subacute bacterial endocarditis
Tuberculous pericarditis
Nocardiosis
Ischemic cardiomyopathy