People Who Need Antibiotics to Prevent Endocarditis

Topic Overview

Some heart problems can put you at risk for an infection in the heart called endocarditis. These heart conditions include:

• Artificial heart valves.
• Endocarditis in the past.
• Heart defects since birth (congenital heart defects).
• Heart valve problems after a heart transplant.

If you have any of these heart conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before you have certain dental or surgical procedures that could put bacteria or fungi into your blood. The antibiotics lower your risk of getting endocarditis.

Your doctor can issue you a special card to carry in your wallet if you require preventive antibiotics before certain dental or surgical procedures. Your condition and specific antibiotic requirements are outlined on this card, which is signed by your doctor.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: April 16, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
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