AboutDavid Richardson Expertise Adult heart function and disease. Not very good about children lesss than 12. Hypertension is o.k. Heart rhythm a special interest.
Experience Certified in cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Was chairman of division of cardiology at the Medical College of Virginia. Am now mostly retired.
Organizations Fellow of American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology and member of American Physiological Society..
Publications Circulation, American Heart Journal, Hypertension.
Education/Credentials M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Residency training at Yale Uhniversity School of Medicine and Medical College of Virginia.
Awards and Honors Gold Heartt Award from American Heart Association in 1995.
Question Doctor Richardson,
I am a heart patient (CHF and CAD). I also have mitral regurgitation and a pacemaker. Initially a cardiologist told me antibiotics are needed prior to dental work. That same cardiologist now tells me it is not necessary (only if someone has an artificial valve). I am confused by what the right thing to do is, I absolutely (!) do not want to cause any heart issues. Your advice would be very very helpful. Thank you.
Answer Sear Denise,
The American Heart changed its guidelines recently because of new research. It has become clear that only people with artificial valves need antibiotics for dental work. The likelihood of infection on a natural valve with dental work is close to zero, even a valve with regurgitation.
