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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Endocarditis: Any way to avoid?
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Endocarditis: Any way to avoid?
by Michael-L, Apr 24, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Michael L. on April 24, 1999 at 10:09:22
I am due for valve replacement surgery in about a month at the Cleveland Clinic, and I am going to go with a homograft, because I am very active and do not wish to take coumadin. My age is making my decision difficult, because I am only 31 and it is almost guarenteed tht I will need another surgery someday, but I feel as if the homograft is the right choice. I was wondering if there is any way to help prevent endocarditis? I know that you must take anti-biotics before dental visits and invasive procedures, but what about your diet and/or lifestyle? I was curious to know if there were any specific steps to help prevet this from happening and causing the life-span of your replacement valve to be reduced?
Posted by Hank Eyring on April 24, 1999 at 14:51:54
Hello Michael L.,
My name is Hank Eyring, I am 32 years old and had my aorticPosted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 24, 1999 at 19:28:30
Dear Michael
The decision between types of valves is difficult an ultimately a personal one. If I had to choose, I would probably go with a homograft myself. Coumadin can be quite a nuisance for an active, young person. Reoperation, especially at experienced centers like the Cleveland Clinic, is not so terrible a thing. And in the future, when you would need the surgery, things would only be safer.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
