Contents
How to Prevent Infective Endocarditis: Tips and Tricks
Published: Oct 18, 2023
Preventing infective endocarditis can save lives by reducing the risk of this dangerous heart infection.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing infective endocarditis. Brushing and flossing regularly can help reduce the bacteria that may enter the bloodstream during dental procedures. Avoiding invasive dental treatments can also lower risk.
Be Cautious with Needle Use
Avoiding the use of needles for drug use is essential. Sharing needles or using unclean equipment can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infective endocarditis.
Regular Health Check-ups
Routine health check-ups can help identify potential risk factors early, such as heart conditions or dental issues. Regular monitoring and early intervention can play a significant role in prevention.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
In some cases, doctors may recommend antibiotics before certain medical or dental procedures to prevent infective endocarditis. This is especially true for those with known heart conditions or past history of the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid needle-based drug use.
Yes, they can help identify and manage risk factors early.
For some, antibiotics before procedures can help prevent infection.
Yes, it reduces bacteria that could enter the bloodstream.
Yes, unclean needles can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
Stay Proactive
Proactive measures and a healthy lifestyle are your best defense against infective endocarditis.
References
- Wilson W, Taubert KA, Gewitz M, et al. Prevention of infective endocarditis: guidelines from the American Heart Association: a guideline from the American Heart Association Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease Committee, Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, and the Council on Clinical Cardiology, Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia, and the Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Interdisciplinary Working Group. Circulation 2007; 116:1736.
- Lockhart PB, Brennan MT, Thornhill M, et al. Poor oral hygiene as a risk factor for infective endocarditis-related bacteremia. J Am Dent Assoc 2009; 140:1238.
- Chen SJ, Liu CJ, Chao TF, et al. Dental scaling and risk reduction in infective endocarditis: a nationwide population-based case-control study. Can J Cardiol 2013; 29:429.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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