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[Medical care of adults with congenital heart diseases : Present and future]

R Neidenbach1, S Achenbach2, C Andonian3

  • 1Klinik für angeborene Herzfehler und Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Lazarettstr. 36, 80636, München, Deutschland. neidenbach@dhm.mhn.de.

Herz
|July 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Most adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in Germany lack adequate specialized care, leading to higher risks. Improving awareness and access to ACHD centers is crucial for better outcomes and reduced mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Medical Care Research

Background:

  • Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are common congenital defects, with most patients now surviving into adulthood.
  • Despite advances, adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) face ongoing risks from residual conditions and comorbidities, impacting long-term health.
  • Current healthcare structures in Germany inadequately address the specialized aftercare needs of the growing ACHD population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the awareness and utilization of specialized Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) centers in Germany.
  • To identify barriers in the healthcare system that hinder optimal care for ACHD patients.
  • To advocate for improved awareness and integration of ACHD care within primary medical services.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the medical care of ACHD (MC-ACHD) study.
  • Evaluation of the perception and accessibility of ACHD centers among healthcare providers and patients.
  • Assessment of complication rates and the need for specialist guidance in ACHD care.

Main Results:

  • ACHD centers and specialists in Germany are significantly underutilized and poorly recognized.
  • Increased complication rates in ACHD patients correlate with insufficient specialist guidance.
  • General practitioners and patients demonstrate a lack of awareness regarding available ACHD facilities and expertise.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need to enhance awareness of ACHD issues within primary medical care settings.
  • Optimizing care requires better integration of ACHD specialists and lifelong follow-up.
  • Improving access to specialized care is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in adults with congenital heart disease.

Keywords:
ACHDCardiologyComorbiditiesCongenital heart defectsPrevention

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