Committed to Care
Cardiovascular diseases
Congenital Heart Diseases
Heart conditions that are present from birth and may need monitoring in adulthood.
What is it
Some congenital heart diseases are diagnosed from childhood. Others may be discovered by chance later, during an echocardiogram or other heart checkup.
Their importance varies significantly depending on the type and severity of the anatomical abnormality.
What they might include
Indicative:
- interatrial or interventricular communication
- bicuspid aortic valve
- congenital valvular abnormalities
- other anatomical heart diseases.
Not all have the same clinical significance nor do they all require the same follow-up.
How is the evaluation done?
Depending on the case they may need:
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- assessment of flow and hemodynamic effect
- MRI or CT imaging in selected cases
- referral to a specialized adult congenital heart disease center when the problem requires it.
How are they tracked?
The time and type of recheck depends on the specific condition, severity, previous operations and the effect on cardiac function.
Not every minor congenital finding needs frequent follow-up.