PNR

  @My father (78)has been diagnosed with PNR. Last year
   after a life time of low cholestrol levels (still)
  he had a quintuple bypass. I sense that since the
  desease is so rare doctors often over look it as a
   factor in diagnosis.
   what kind of things should we be looking for?
    For example, they always say he should take
  antibiotics before dental work.  
  Why?  What if he didn't or what if it didn't work?
  what are we protecting him from when he takes those?
    He had extensive dental work about 6 months before
   the heart problems showed up.  He really needs to go
   to the dentist again.  
  
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Dear Elly:
I am not familiar with the abbreviation PNR. There is a rheumatologic disease abbreviated PMR. Write back with what disease you are referring to and I will try to answer your question.
Antibiotics before dental procedures are generally recommended for patients with diseased or damaged heart valves in order to prevent infection of these valves, which would be a serious thing.
If you wish to be evaluated here at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at desk F15.  Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your doctor.