Heart Attack/Myocardial Infarction - Oral Health Care Considerations

⚠️ No elective dental care.

For emergency care, use analgesics and antibiotics as indicated.
For invasive procedures, consult with patient’s cardiologist and be prepared to use continuous cardiac monitoring.

Arrange for necessary medical attention.
Have oxygen and nitroglycerin available.
Use additional pain and anxiety control as indicated.
Schedule late-morning or early-afternoon appointments.
Schedule short appointments.
Use local anesthetics judiciously.
Use adjunct measures to reduce stress.
No contraindication for using epinephrine.
Be aware that chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in elderly patients with hypertension.
Address patient’s anticoagulation therapy, if indicated.

⚠️ If the patient is also suffering from decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF), treat patient as if having unstable angina, until coronary stability has been verified by the patient’s physician.

Medical Complexity Status#

See Medical Complexity Status for more information.