| Overview of Adult Congenital Heart Disease |
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Patients With Adult Cardiovascular and/or Other Age Related Health Concerns
Adult patients with congenital heart disease are susceptible to many of the same cardiovascular problems that affect the rest of the population, including heart failure, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These may cause special problems for patients with certain defects or repair operations. Also, the treatment of other age-related health problems may involve surgeries or medicines that can cause difficulties for the adult with CHD.
Conditions that may involve increased risks for the adult CHD patient include kidney dysfunction, diabetes, circulatory problems away from the heart, severe high blood pressure, anemia and other irregularities of the blood, and certain respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is imperative that the CHD patient work to maintain good health through regular doctor visits and check-ups and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Because of the complexity of their care and the specialized nature of their disease and repairs, it is recommended that adults with congenital heart disease be cared for in specialized clinics for adults with congenital heart disease at larger medical centers. |
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