Heart failure associated with adult congenital heart disease

James A Dinardo1

  • 1Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. James.DiNardo@childrens.harvard.edu

Insights

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) face heart failure (HF) risks similar to older patients. This review covers HF demographics, diagnosis, and treatment in the growing ACHD population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • The population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) now surpasses that of children with congenital heart disease.
  • ACHD patients experiencing heart failure (HF) exhibit functional decline comparable to older individuals with acquired heart conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the demographics, diagnosis, functional capacity, and treatment of heart failure (HF) in the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on demographics, diagnosis, functional capacity, and treatment strategies for HF in ACHD.
  • Identification of ACHD patient groups at highest risk for HF.

Main Results:

  • Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are increasingly presenting with heart failure (HF).
  • Specific ACHD conditions like single-ventricle physiology, right ventricle systemic circulation, and repaired tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary insufficiency are associated with the highest HF risk.

Conclusions:

  • Heart failure (HF) is a significant and growing concern within the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population.
  • Understanding the unique aspects of HF in ACHD is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

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