SHA 072. Features and concepts: Saudi congenital heart defects registry

Abstract

programs. Because of the pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery advances, the number of children with CHD surviving into adulthood continues to increase. The complexity of these patients on the adulthood often exceeds the expertise of the health professionals that deal with them. Therefore, North American and European task forces have been developing recommendations for the management of these individuals. According to the World Health Organization (2006) the epidemiology of CHD in Saudi Arabia has not been determined. However, this group of patients has a peculiar anatomy and complications that will have a significant impact on their lives. As most early interventions have not been curative and approximately 50% of them might face further surgery and heart failure, as health professionals, we need to support the education of CHD patients; moreover we need to discuss lifestyle issues such as exercise, pregnancy, career planning, etc. These issues are often more important to patients and families than details about their disease. ACHD teams provide education to these patients and encourage them to create their own health files in order to make them proactive about their health. These teams have to establish a life-long partnership, particularly with young adults who are highly motivated and have excellent survival profile. Only through educated professionals and educated patients we will enable every CHD patient to enjoy their full potential life.