Infective Endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart and/or of the heart valves. It happens when bacteria (germs) enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) and go to the heart. The germs then cause infection in the heart. The germs can enter your bloodstream in a number of ways. It may happen during a dental procedure. It can happen through a cut. Or the germs can come from an infection elsewhere in the body.