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Contents
  • High-Risk Heart Conditions
  • Dental Health and IE Risk
  • Other Risk Factors

Are You at Risk for Infective Endocarditis? Key Factors to Know

Are You at Risk for Infective Endocarditis? Key Factors to Know

Heart Health Alert

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but serious heart infection. Knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to protect your heart health.
Contents
  • High-Risk Heart Conditions
  • Dental Health and IE Risk
  • Other Risk Factors

High-Risk Heart Conditions

Certain heart conditions significantly increase your risk of IE. These include having a prosthetic heart valve, a history of IE, or specific congenital heart defects. It's like having a 'weak spot' in your heart's defenses that bacteria can exploit. Heart transplant recipients who develop valve problems are also at higher risk.

Dental Health and IE Risk

Poor dental health is a major risk factor for IE. Bacteria from dental infections or procedures can enter the bloodstream and infect the heart. Think of your mouth as a gateway to your heart - keeping it clean and healthy helps protect your heart too. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for preventing IE.
A rare but serious infection of the heart's inner lining (endocardium), often affecting those with heart valve issues or poor dental health.

Other Risk Factors

Certain medical procedures, especially those involving the mouth, respiratory tract, or urinary system, can increase IE risk in vulnerable individuals. Intravenous drug use is another significant risk factor. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to IE, making them more susceptible to infection.

FAQs

Can anyone get IE?

While anyone can develop IE, it's much more common in people with certain risk factors.

Does having a pacemaker increase IE risk?

Yes, having a pacemaker or defibrillator can increase your risk of IE.

Can lifestyle changes reduce IE risk?

Yes, maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health can help reduce your risk.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding your risk factors for IE is the first step in protecting your heart health.
Concerned about your IE risk factors? Discuss your heart health with Doctronic today for personalized advice and prevention strategies.
Additional References
  1. Østergaard L, et al. Incidence of infective endocarditis among patients considered at high risk. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:623.
  2. Lockhart PB, et al. Poor oral hygiene as a risk factor for infective endocarditis-related bacteremia. J Am Dent Assoc 2009; 140:1238.
  3. Zegri-Reiriz I, et al. Infective Endocarditis in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve or Mitral Valve Prolapse. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018; 71:2731.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.