[Many adults with congenital heart disease are lost to follow up]

Jeroen C Vis1, Mark J Schuuring, Enno T van der Velde

  • 1Academisch Medisch Centrum, Afd. Cardiologie, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Insights

Many adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) miss regular cardiological care. This study highlights the critical need for ongoing follow-up, even in asymptomatic patients, to detect potentially serious residual lesions after childhood treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)

Context:

  • Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) often require lifelong monitoring.
  • A significant number of these patients are lost to cardiological follow-up, posing risks for undetected complications.

Purpose:

  • To identify adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have fallen out of regular cardiological care.
  • To assess the prevalence of residual lesions and the need for follow-up in this population.

Summary:

  • A nationwide campaign identified 593 adults with CHD not under regular care.
  • Within a year, 66% were seen by a cardiologist, 22% required further follow-up, and 16% had new residual lesions detected.
  • Pulmonary valve replacement was necessary in three patients.

Impact:

  • Reveals a substantial gap in regular cardiac care for adults with CHD.
  • Emphasizes the high incidence of asymptomatic residual lesions post-childhood correction.
  • Underscores the necessity of consistent cardiological follow-up for all CHD patients, regardless of symptoms.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult01:21

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...