Muscle and joint pain
Patients with endocarditis have a severe inflammatory process that extends to the muscles and articulations because there are circulating immune complexes causing various musculoskeletal abnormalities. They often report muscle pain (myalgia) and joint pain (arthralgia), which are commonly found in many viral and bacterial diseases, as well as arthritis and other non-infectious processes. Endocarditis may simulate rheumatic diseases, and since it is rare compared to their incidence, doctors may delay their diagnosis if they do not have a clear view of all of the symptoms. Thus, make sure you report all of your symptoms to your doctor, and make notes if you think that will help you remember.