If You’re an Adult with Congenital Heart Disease, Specialized Follow-Up Care Can Keep You Healthy

If you have ACHD, “even after surgical repair, you have an increased risk of developing arrhythmias, endocarditis, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, pregnancy complications, and kidney or liver problems,” said Duke’s Tracy Geoffrion, MD, heart surgeon and Surgical Director of Duke’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease program. You are also more likely to need emergency care, hospitalization, and intensive care throughout your lifetime compared to the general population.

Unfortunately, many people don’t transition from a pediatric cardiologist to an adult congenital heart disease specialist when appropriate or at all because they don’t know they should. “It is very important for adults with repaired or unrepaired congenital heart disease to see a cardiologist and primary care physician regularly, even if they are feeling well,” said Dr. Geoffrion. “We want to identify problems as early as possible and treat them before they become serious.”

While some congenital heart disease programs in the U.S. focus only on children, Duke bridges the gap to adulthood by offering robust care for people of all ages living with congenital heart disease. Duke is one of about 50 programs in the U.S. (and one of only three in North Carolina) that are accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association. This recognizes centers that meet the required standards of training, service offerings, policy implementation, and specialized personnel to provide the highest level of care.

“In addition to being a national leader in cardiology and cardiac surgery, Duke has experts in many other medical specialties who can help adults living with congenital heart disease,” said Dr. Geoffrion. Whether you need guidance with disease prevention (how to eat healthier, exercise, or quit smoking), or if you need more advanced care, “Duke is able to provide cutting-edge medical and surgical care for just about anything you could ever need,” Dr. Geoffrion said. “We are committed to learning and developing new therapies and techniques to solve the problems that ACHD patients face.”

With appropriate medical care, adults with congenital heart disease are now able to live long and full lives. “Receiving routine care by well-trained and experienced physicians is an important part of helping ACHD patients live longer while still feeling well,” said Dr. Geoffrion.

With clinic locations throughout the Triangle and Triad as well as virtual visit options, it’s easy to access high-quality ACHD care near you.