Advanced Fellowship in Adult Congenital Heart Diseases
Many congenital heart diseases (CHDs) remain undiagnosed until adulthood, often presenting with symptoms later in life. This specialized field focuses on the diagnostic evaluation and development of treatment plans for complex congenital heart conditions in patients over the age of 15.
Adult Congenital Heart Diseases
Adult congenital heart diseases refer to conditions present from birth or resulting from congenital factors that persist into adulthood. These conditions may affect the heart’s structure and function, often arising from developmental issues during fetal heart formation.
Common Types of Congenital Heart Diseases:
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Structural Heart Defects:
- Septal Defects: Abnormal openings in the walls (septa) separating different chambers of the heart.
- Anatomical Abnormalities: Such as malformations in arteries or other heart structures.
- Intrauterine Structural Defects: Problems occurring during fetal heart development.
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Valvular Heart Diseases:
- Valve Stenosis: Narrowing of the heart valves.
- Valve Regurgitation: Leakage of valves leading to improper blood flow.
- Congenital Valve Malformations: Irregularities in valve structure or function.
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Coronary Artery Diseases:
- Abnormalities in coronary arteries leading to narrowing or blockage, which can result in heart complications.
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Growth-Related Heart Disorders:
- Disorders affecting the growth and development of heart muscles and coronary vessels.
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Other Congenital Conditions:
- Chromosomal Disorders: Such as Down syndrome.
- Metabolic Disorders: Including glycogen storage diseases and phenylketonuria (PKU).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing and managing adult congenital heart diseases requires advanced expertise. Evaluations may include imaging studies, cardiac catheterization, and other diagnostic tools to determine the severity of the condition. Treatments can range from medical management and lifestyle modifications to interventional or surgical procedures.
For proper care, patients should seek consultation with a cardiologist specializing in adult congenital heart diseases. This ensures personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique conditions.
