Endocarditis: A Preventable Part in "The Story of the Heart"

About 29,000 cases of endocarditis are diagnosed each year.1 Researchers have said maintenance of optimal oral health and hygiene may reduce the incidence of infective endocarditis and is more important than oral antibiotics for a dental procedure to reduce the risk of the infection.2

Now on display at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) ­— BODY WORLDS features a comprehensive exhibit gallery of plastinated human heart specimens including a heart specimen with an artificial valve. Endocarditis can deform the heart valves so much that they no longer open sufficiently or close properly. In severe cases, the affected valves have to be replaced with artificial ones.

Endocarditis is one of many ailments that can cause disease and distress to the human heart. This is why BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart is so great in that it allows guests an unprecedented look into this fascinating muscle and serves as a call-to-action for people to pay attention to their heart health, make regular doctor's visits, stay active, and most importantly, see this groundbreaking exhibition.

BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart and Pepin Heart Hospital are teaming up with students from Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) Dental Program for “Heart Your Smile” Day on Friday, April 3, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to raise awareness of oral health and maintaining a heart free from endocarditis (presently known as infective endocarditis).

Dr. Charles Lambert, medical director, of Pepin Heart Hospital will be present to answer questions on infective endocarditis. In addition, students from the HCC Dental Program will be on-site at MOSI to demonstrate and provide information on the proper way to brush and floss daily.

MOSI is offering the most value-added ticket in town! Museum admission now includes BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart, MOSI’s entire exhibit galleries, a Saunders Planetarium show, a 3D show in the Science Works Theater, a ride on MOSI’s High-Wire Bicycle, Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center, the BioWorks Butterfly Garden, plus—for a limited-time—an IMAX® Dome Theatre film*—all of this for $25.95 for adults, $19.95 for children (ages 2-12) and $22.45 for seniors (60+).

*Special engagement IMAX films not included. For student field trips or group reservations, please call (813) 987-6000.

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1 Source: American Heart Association, Inc. ©2009 Infective Endocarditis: Who is at risk? http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4436
2 Source: American Heart Association, Inc. ©2009 Infective Endocarditis: Can endocarditis be prevented? http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4436