Safe treatment of the post-heart-attack patient

No dental patient represents a greater risk of serious illness or sudden death related to the emotional and physical stresses of dental treatment than the patient who presents for emergency or routine care with a history of heart attack (acute myocardial infarction, MI). Yet most post-MI patients can be treated effectively with basic treatment modifications that reduce risk to a minor and acceptable level, allowing comprehensive care rather than the simple emergency treatment or basic esthetic care so often reserved for these patients. This article reviews methods of safe and complete care for the post-MI patient.