Adult Congenital Heart Disease
What is the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic?
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Advances in the treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) have allowed many children with heart defects to survive into adulthood. In 2006, the number of adults living with congenital heart disease surpassed the number of children with congenital heart disease. These adults face a unique set of challenges that require a special understanding of congenital heart disease in the adult. To follow and treat this special group of patients, we offer a quarterly clinic staffed by both a pediatric cardiologist and adult cardiologists who specialize in adult CHD.
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What are some of the issues faced by adults with congenital heart disease?
Adults with CHD face many issues that are unique to this group of patients. Some examples are:
- Most adults with CHD have seen a pediatric cardiologist all their lives. Often, they have grown up knowing that they have a heart abnormality, but don't have a good understanding of what their diagnosis is or what kind of surgery was done to repair it. It is important for this group of patients to be educated about their heart defect and the longterm problems that may result from it.
- Most children with CHD are growing up and reaching adulthood, and having children of their own. In order to make the best family planning decisions, women with CHD need to be aware of how their pregnancy, labor, and delivery will be affected by their heart condition. Children born to mothers and fathers with CHD may also be at increased risk for a heart abnormality; because of that, a fetal echocardiogram should be performed during the pregnancy.
- Adults with CHD may require restrictions in their work or physical activities.
- Because of their cardiac diagnosis, some adults with CHD may not be eligible for health insurance. These patients may need assistance in obtaining access to healthcare, and to healthcare providers familiar with their heart condition.