Do you really need to take antibiotics when you go to the dentist if you have mitrovalve prolapse?

Answer:
You actually don't have to unless you previously had bacterial endocarditis. Mitrovalve prolapse alone no longer requires antibiotic prophylaxis. The guidelines changed recently so some dentists may not be aware of the new changes. MVP did often require antibiotic prophylaxis under the old guidelines. Your dentist may still want you to take them, but it's not required.

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You should!

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Yes; tremendous risk from infection.

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very definitely, the circulation can carry bacteria from your mouth to the heart, if you have a valve problem, the circulation isn't effective there and will not just flush the blood thru, so bacteria can settle and cause an infection in the heart, quite often a fatal situation.

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That appears to be the theory. And it is a cheap price to pay (4 500mgs of Amoxocillin) to be sure you do not get an infection in your heart!!! I have a total hip replacement, (I'm young, but a horse fell on me when I was 12) and no way would I go without medication. it is really no big deal. and I sure don't want something to happen that puts me in the hosp.

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Yes you have to if the dentist is planning on cutting you or planning an invasive kind of procedure. Your risk of infection is very high with anything like that. The difference is that because of the prolapse the infection can have a kind of effect on your heart that will lay you up for months and have lasting effects if it doesn't kill you.

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i have the same thing i go to the dentist all the time it never hurt me

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No, you don't have to have it but you should go ahead and take it. The question you need to ask yourself is would you rather risk the chance of ending up in the hospital w/ a huge heart problems that can cause death or permanent damage to your heart, or would you rather just take a few pills and be covered?

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