Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic
| Heart defects are the most common form of birth defect. You can be diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at any age; as a newborn, in childhood or adulthood. At least 10% of all heart defects are not found until adulthood. Defects usually involve abnormalities of the heart, heart valves or major blood vessels, which have been present since birth. It can be a single defect, or multiple defects. Each heart defect is individual and each one presents unique challenges. Care for Adults with Congential Heart Disease In the 1940’s only 20% of babies born with heart defects lived to age one. With new medical breakthroughs, adults with heart defects are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. In 2003, 90% are expected to live to adulthood and beyond. It is predicted that by 2006, there will be more adults with congenital heart disease than children. Adults with congenital heart disease require expect expert medical care for continued survival and quality of life. Know Your Heart There are many different kinds of heart defects. Although some are similar, each is unique to each individual. We recommend that you learn all about your heart defect. Learn the full name of your defect. Ask your cardiologist about long-term risks, limits and symptoms related to your defect. Guidelines published by the American Heart Association regarding long-term care for adults with congenital heart disease can be found at www.achaheart.org/bethesda.php. Staying Healthy Go to the cardiologist regularly, even if you feel fine. Heart problems can start without symptoms and early treatment can protect your heart. Protect your heart from infections by taking antibiotics before going to the dentist. We recommend going to the dentist at least twice a year. Practice a heart healthy lifestyle — don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, eat a heart healthy diet and don’t abuse alcohol. Talk with your cardiologist about an exercise program that’s right for you. Talk to Your Cardiologist Let your cardiologist know if you feel dizzy, extra tired, short of breath, racing or pounding heart or if you get swollen ankles. If you are a woman, ask about birth control and pregnancy. How In order to provide the best care for patients with congenital heart disease, the adult and pediatric cardiologists at Services Offered Adults with congenital heart disease may need advice about many problems, such as: • Exercise • Employability • Pregnancy and family planning • Noncardiac surgery • Insurance issues • Endocarditis prophylaxis • Long term prognosis • Potential future problems |
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