感染性心内膜炎

Infective endocarditis (IE) is when there is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. This is often caused by bacteria, which can be called bacterial endocarditis. IE is uncommon, but people with some conditions have a greater risk of developing it.

Risk factors for developing IE include:

• 心脏瓣膜状况
• 免疫系统减弱
• 人工心脏瓣膜； 起搏器 or 去纤颤器
• 静脉注射（IV）药物
• 以前的 心脏瓣膜手术 
• 先天性心脏病
• Heart damage from rheumatic fever
• 牙齿不健康
• 其他原因

View an illustration of endocarditis.

Dental procedures 和 infective endocarditis

Adults with the highest risk for poor outcomes from IE may be prescribed antibiotics (IE prophylaxis) before certain dental procedures to reduce their risk of developing it. These include procedures that involve manipulation of gingival (gum) tissue or the periapical region (area around the roots) of teeth, or perforation of the oral mucosa.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is reasonable before the above-mentioned dental procedures for people with heart conditions who have any of the following:

1. Prosthetic heart valve or prosthetic material used for heart valve repair
2. 之前的IE
3. Certain congenital heart diseases (CHD) ‒ Your cardiologist will let you know if your CHD requires use of antibiotics.
4. Heart transplant recipients who develop heart valve disease 

Antibiotic prophylaxis may be reasonable for certain medical procedures on the respiratory tract or infected skin, skin structures or musculoskeletal tissue for adults with underlying heart conditions associated with the highest risk of poor outcomes from IE. 

Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended solely to prevent IE for adults who have some non-dental procedures, including genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract procedures. You can help reduce the risk of IE by maintaining good oral health through regular professional dental care 和 the use of dental products such as manual, powered 和 ultrasonic toothbrushes; dental floss; 和 other plaque-removal devices. 

If you meet the requirements for antibiotic prophylaxis for dental treatment or oral surgery, your cardiologist or other health care professional may give you an 美国心脏协会 wallet card (PDF). Show this card to your dentist, pediatrician, family physician or other health care professional. It recommends the type of antibiotic 和 dose for IE prophylaxis. For smaller children, the dose will vary according to the child's weight. Always remind your dentist or physician if you (or your child) are allergic to any antibiotics or other medications.

Your health care team can provide you with more information 和 answer your questions about preventing IE. 

• 打印 our patient information sheet 什么是心内膜炎? (PDF) | 西班牙语(PDF)
• 打印你自己的 Prevention of 感染性心内膜炎 Wallet Card (PDF) | 西班牙语(PDF)