Adults With Congenital Heart Disease—a New, Expanding Group of Patients.

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart anomalies are the most common type of organ malformation, affecting approximately 1% of all newborn infants. More than 90% of these children now survive into adulthood. They need to be cared for by specialists for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), as well as by family physicians, internists, and cardiologists who are adequately versed in the basic management of persons with this lifelong condition.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search, including guidelines and consensus statements from Germany and abroad.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular malformations cover a very wide spectrum, and the evidence base for the treatment of older patients with these conditions is scant. Congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and the sequelae of pulmonary arterial hypertension are the main contributors to cardiac morbidity and mortality. Preg - nancy counseling, endocarditis prophylaxis, vaccinations, and psychosocial aspects must be targeted to each individual patient. Neither the affected patients nor their family physicians are yet adequately acquainted with the recently created care structures for this patient group.

CONCLUSION

The care of ACHD is a multidisciplinary task that requires basic care by primary care physicians as well as the involvement of specialized cardiologists in order to ensure optimal individualized treatment.