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Congenital Heart Disease in Adults

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Interventions Including Atrial Septal Defect Closure Ventricular Septal Defect Closure PDA Device Closures Pulmonary AVM Closures

Congenital Heart Disease in Adults

If you have congenital heart disease as an adult and were born with a structural or functional heart impairment, you have more possibilities than ever before to lead an active and healthy life. Advances in the management of congenital heart disease in children have significantly increased their life expectancy into adulthood. However, adult congenital heart disease cannot be cured by childhood operations or other treatments, despite the progress that has been made in outcomes. Even after receiving treatment and feeling better, adult survivors may develop new issues, in which case they need to receive care for the remainder of their lives. A congenital heart disease in adults can range greatly in severity, and in some cases, it can become potentially fatal. On the other hand, over time, the prognosis and outlook for people with congenital heart abnormalities have considerably improved. Medication, surgery, or routine check-ups are possible treatment options for congenital heart defects. It's crucial to speak with your doctor about how often you should get checked out if you have adult congenital heart disease to keep updated on your condition. 

 

 

FAQ's

Some people born with a cardiac condition may never experience symptoms. However, even years after a congenital heart abnormality is treated, symptoms can still recur. Typical adult congenital heart disease symptoms include:

 

  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

  • Due to low oxygen levels, fingernails, lips, and skin can appear blue or grey. These changes may be more or less noticeable, depending on the colour of the skin.

  • Breathlessness

  • Experiencing rapid fatigue from physical activity

  • Swelling happens when too much fluid builds up in the body's tissues.

Pregnant women with congenital cardiac disease may be more vulnerable than other women. A woman's cardiovascular system alters during pregnancy, which could lead to additional issues for both the mother and the foetus. It might not be advised for women with some types of congenital cardiac disease to become pregnant. It is advised that women with congenital heart disease who intend to become pregnant consult with a doctor who specialises in adult congenital heart disease to assess the risks and possible complications of pregnancy. 

The term adult congenital heart disorder (ACHD) refers to a range of conditions that are present from birth but do not go away as adults.

 

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall that divides the upper chambers of the heart (atria).

  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall separating the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

  • Tetralogy of Fallot:  A combination of four cardiac abnormalities that impair blood flow: ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta.

  • Ebstein's Anomaly: A tricuspid valve deformity that impairs blood flow.

  • Aortic Coarctation: A narrowing of the main blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

  • Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA): Abnormal placement of the main blood veins exiting the heart is known as transposition of the great arteries (TGA)

  • Heart atresia: A blocked pulmonary valve that prevents blood from entering the heart

 

During a physical exam, a doctor can diagnose congenital heart disease. Other tests that could be requested are as follows:

  • Chest X-ray

  • Echocardiogram

  • Electrocardiogram

  • Cardiac MRI

  • Cardiac catheterisation

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a type of echocardiography

  • Heart rate monitor (EKG)

  • Stress test 

  • Electrophysiology study

Treatment options for your particular congenital heart condition may include fixing the defect or treating any consequences it may have created. Typical therapies consist of:

  • Catheterisation: Through specialised Cardiac Catheterisation techniques, certain heart problems can be repaired, and a surgical repair of the heart can be performed without accessing the chest or heart.

  • Medications: Medications can help regulate a heart rhythm problem, eliminate extra fluid, or avoid blood clots.

  • Monitoring: To ensure there are no changes, minor heart diseases may just require routine cardiologist examinations.

  • Implanted cardiac devices: Congenital heart abnormalities can be treated with devices like pacemakers, implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and others.

 

The complications of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) vary depending on the specific condition but may include:

  • Heart Failure: Weakening of the heart's pumping ability, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling.

  • Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that can cause palpitations, fainting, or dizziness.

  • Pulmonary hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the lungs, straining the heart and causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.

  • Stroke: Blood clots forming due to abnormal blood flow or arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.

  • Infective endocarditis: Infection of the heart's inner lining, often requiring antibiotics or surgery to treat. Fever, chills, and exhaustion are possible symptoms.

  • Cyanosis: A bluish discolouration of the skin due to low oxygen levels in the blood, often indicating a problem with blood flow to the lungs or heart.

  • Exercise intolerance: Difficulty with physical activity due to heart limitations, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain during exercise.

  • Pregnancy complications: Pregnancy can cause more problems for the heart. This can lead to complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm labour.

 

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