55 - Congenital Heart Disease in Adults

Abstract

As a result of major advances in diagnosis and interventional therapy, there are now more adults than children living with congenital heart disease in the United States and other industrialized countries worldwide. More than 20 phenotypes range from defects between the atria, the ventricles, and the great arteries to well-recognized associations of defects such as tetralogy of Fallot and atrioventricular canal defects. Follow-up is often shared between internists and specialized adult congenital heart disease centers to ensure adequate surveillance for potential complications and timely interventions to prevent long-term morbidity and mortality. Common cardiovascular complications include arrhythmias, residual valvular dysfunction, heart failure, and infective endocarditis. Superimposed cardiovascular disease as a result of atherosclerosis increases the cumulative burden of heart disease. This chapter is a concise starting point for understanding the lifelong management of cardiovascular and systemic issues facing this growing group of patients and their caregivers.