Danielc Desimone News Today

People who inject opioids or other drugs and develop a potentially deadly heart infection require a unique approach to care that should include consultation with an addiction specialist, according to a new report from the American Heart Association.

People who inject opioids or other drugs and develop a potentially deadly heart infection...

The AHA stresses in a new statement that managing IE in people who inject drugs is complex and requires a unique multidisciplinary approach that includes consultation with an addiction specialist.

"Compared to 2 years ago, yes, we have more tools in our toolkit, which is great. But we still have to find the right drugs [for the right patient]."

American Heart Association Statement Highlights: Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are the most important ways to reduce risk of a heart infection called infective endocarditis caused by bacteria in the mouth. There are four categories of heart patients considered to be at highest risk for adverse outcomes from infective endocarditis, and only these patients are recommended to receive preventive antibiotic treatment prior to invasive dental procedures. American Heart Association guideli...