How can I prevent bacterial endocarditis?

How can I prevent bacterial endocarditis?

The American Heart Association revised its guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis (preventive antibiotics) before certain procedures to reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis in high-risk people. The AHA no longer recommends antibiotic prophylaxis for non-dental procedures.

The organization considers endocarditis to be more likely a result of daily exposure to bacteria, rather than exposure during a procedure. Preventive antibiotic therapy may present greater risks than potential benefits if any.

Only people who have the highest risk for bacterial endocarditis will reasonably benefit from taking preventive antibiotics before certain procedures.

The highest risk group for bacterial endocarditis includes those with:

• An artificial (prosthetic) heart valve.
• Artificial material from a cardiac valve repair.
• Previous bacterial endocarditis.
• Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease.
• Repaired congenital heart disease with shunts or regurgitation at the site or next to the site of an artificial patch or device.
• Heart valve disease (regurgitation) that develops after a heart transplant.

Additional guidelines for people in the high-risk group above

Tell your medical and dental providers you have heart disease that places you at a greater risk of developing endocarditis.

Take antibiotics before all dental procedures that involve manipulation of your gums or the periapical (roots) area of your teeth or perforation of your oral mucosa (tissue that lines the inside of your mouth).

Check with your medical provider about the type and amount of antibiotics you should take. Plan ahead to find out what steps you must take before the day of your procedure.

Carry a wallet identification card you can get from the American Heart Association with specific antibiotic guidelines.