Undiagnosed ST Elevation

[eward_bsd2002]

I am a 38 yr old male.  Blood pressure normally runs 115/75.  I have had a heart cath in April of 05 due to left side chest pain, sweats and a heart rate that would just sometime rev right up and 30 seconds later go right back down.  The only finding at that time was that I slightly uniformly narrow arteries (congenital) and 2 myocardial bridges (one on the front left and the other on the back).

I also have quite a bit of dental problems.  One lower molar had a root canal 10 years ago and the root is being reabsorbed.  It has been infected more on than off for the past 3 years.

Currently on Inderall 20 mg 3 times per day, aspirin 325 mg, and nitro as needed.

Had chest pain last month and went to the fire station.  They found ST elevation and took me to the hospital.  Elevation did not resolve totally while there and they did another heart cath.  They said that my cath look like the one before but they looked at the bridge and it appears to not be a bridge.  It was just a problem with the camera angle.  

4 days in the hospital I was released with 1 segment of ST elevation.

Later I go to the dentist and he said that the infection could cause  me some problems.  Gave me antibiotics and it seems that after about 3 days my EKG was back to normal and I could exercise without chestpain.  The cardiologist said that this is just coincidence and that tooth infections only hurt the valves of the heart.

Does anyone have any ideas?  

Thanks So Much
Ed

[Jack54]

Infection in the teeth or gums can also cause endocarditis. Here is a blurb on it. I also have a tooth that had a root canal and is decaying. Good luck, Jack.
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----------Dental Health: Endocarditis Prevention

Endocarditis is a rare, life-threatening inflammation of the lining of the heart muscle and its valves. It is caused by a bacterial infection. Although it can occur in anyone, it is much more common in people with certain heart conditions and in those who've had it before. If your risk is high, you can take steps to lower it.

How Have Endocarditis Prevention Guidelines Changed?
In 2007, the American Heart Association Endocarditis Committee -- together with other experts -- issued new guidelines to help prevent endocarditis. These replace guidelines issued in 1997. After reviewing published studies, the committee found that only a small number of cases of infective endocarditis might be prevented by antibiotics for dental procedures. In patients with heart conditions associated with the highest risk of serious complications from endocarditis, it says that antibiotic treatment before dental procedures involving manipulation of the gums seems reasonable.

In very rare cases, bacteria in the mouth may trigger endocarditis in people at higher risk. Here's what happens: Bacteria found in tooth plaque build up and cause gingivitis (gum disease). If not treated, this may become advanced. The gums become inflamed (red and swollen) and often bleed during tooth brushing, flossing, or certain dental procedures involving manipulation of the gums. When gums bleed, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and can infect other parts of the body. In the case of endocarditis, this affects the inner lining of the heart and the surfaces of its valves. The bacteria stick to these surfaces and create growths or pockets of bacteria.

Because this is so rare, the new guidelines suggest antibiotics prior to dental procedures only for patients who are at highest risk for serious complications from endocarditis. In fact, in most cases, the risk of problems from antibiotics exceeds the benefits from preventive antibiotics. These attract blood products that may lead to clots.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/endocarditis-prevention