Browse Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Preventing Bacterial Endocarditis

The best way to prevent endocarditis is to avoid the use of illegal IV drugs. Certain heart conditions may increase your risk. Talk to your doctor to find out whether you are at increased risk for this condition. The American Heart Association recommends:

People with high and moderate risk should take antibiotics before and after certain dental and nondental medical procedures.

In addition:

Take an antibiotic just before and after any procedure that may put you at risk.
Tell your dentist and other health professionals about your heart condition.
Maintain good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice daily.
- Floss daily.
- Visit your dentist for a cleaning at least every six months.
See your dentist if dentures cause discomfort.
Seek medical care immediately for symptoms of an infection.

RESOURCES:

American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org/

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca/

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/

References:

American Heart Association Medical/Scientific statement: Prevention of bacterial endocarditis. American Heart Association; 1997.

Bonow RO, Carabello BA, Chatterjee K, et al. ACC/AHA 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006;48:e1.

Braunwald E, Zipes DP, Libby P, et al. Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.

Hoen B. Epidemiology and antibiotic treatment of infective endocarditis: an update. Heart . 2006;92:1694-700. Review.

Rakel RE and Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.

Last reviewed February 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Bacterial Endocarditis Support Group

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