Mapping the Biopsychosocial and Lifestyle Portrait of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Comparative Study Across Sex and Age.

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders are prevalent comorbidities in adults with congenital heart diseases (CHD). This study aimed to provide a biopsychosocial portrait of overall health in adults with CHD and compare by sex and age to a general population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 264 adults with CHD at the Montreal Heart Institute collected clinical data and self-reported lifestyle, sociodemographic, and psychological measures (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Worry and Anxiety Questionnaire). Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to compare with local population or stratified by age and sex.

RESULTS

Anxiety scores were higher in females and younger adults with CHD, whereas depression scores show no significant differences. Although mean anxiety and depression scores in adults with CHD were similar to a Québec primary care population, subgroup comparisons show differences such as higher anxiety scores in younger adults with CHD. Fewer adults with CHD were sedentary or very active in comparison with controls, with more engaged in moderate activities. Moreover, they reported lower caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis consumption than the general population. Rates of smoking use or nonprescription medications were similar in both populations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights key trends in the psychological and behavioral profiles of adults with CHD, including higher anxiety among young adults and differences in physical activity and alcohol consumption compared with the general population. These findings underline the importance of a holistic approach to management of this population.