Vascular Health in Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 1% of live births and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy. Previous studies have suggested CHD is associated with impaired vascular health, but this has not been established. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of CHD on vascular health.

Eight electronic databases were searched through April 12, 2024. Studies of all designs (except case studies and reviews) that reported on the population (individuals with CHD of any age), comparator (individuals without CHD), and outcomes of interest: endothelial dependent (flow-mediated vasodilation, reactive hyperemia index) and independent (nitroglycerin-mediated dilation) vascular function, arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, stiffness index, augmentation index, distensibility, and compliance), and carotid intima-media thickness were included. Results are presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and as effect size.

We included 138 studies (N = 16,115) in the meta-analysis. Individuals with CHD exhibited decreased vascular function compared with those without including decreased low-mediated vasodilation (SMD, -0.96 [95% CI, -1.22 to -0.70]; I² = 85%; large effect size), reactive hyperemia index using ultrasound (SMD, -2.88 [95% CI, -4.85 to -0.90]; I² = 96%; large effect size), and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (SMD, -0.98 [95% CI, -1.35 to -0.61]; I² = 87%; large effect size). Various CHD subtypes including coarctation of the aorta, transposition of the great arteries, and tetralogy of Fallot, after the Fontan procedure showed significant vascular dysfunction. Shunt lesions did not show significant vascular dysfunction.

CHD is associated with vascular dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and greater carotid intima-media thickness in pediatric and adult patients.