With the amazing discovery in the field of pediatric cardiology, nowadays, most children born with a heart defect known as congenital heart disease (CHD) live to mature and live a good life. Nevertheless, life long care and monitoring is required even when the surgery or treatment has been successfully completed so that the heart is healthy and strong.
The aims of the long-term care of CHD survivors center around lifelong follow-up, prophylactic treatment, and emotional health - ensuring a smooth transition of the patients between childhood and adulthood with the appropriate quality of life as possible.
The importance of Long-term Follow-up
Having congenital heart defects even after it is corrected, may at other times result in change in heart rhythm, valve functioning, or blood flow. These changes can be identified at an early stage and prevented with assistance of regular monitoring.
Follow up may involve lifelong follow up in case recommended by your doctor due to:
- You or your child have had surgery of the heart or device closure of CHD.
- Structural heart defects are repaired or unrepaired in the past.
- The difficulties with the heart rhythm (arrhythmias) or valve complications appear over time.
- Medications or pacemaker functioning should be monitored.
- With the change to adulthood, there are new health or lifestyle concerns.
- The sustained attention will guarantee the prompt identification of the new symptoms, treatment, and the further encouragement of a healthy lifestyle.
What Long term Care Involves
The management of the survivors of congenital heart disease in the long-term consists of routine check-ups with the pediatric or adult congenital cardiologist, as well as relevant investigations and lifestyle instructions.
Your doctor may:
- Answer medical history and evaluate the functioning of the heart.
- Carry out echocardiogram, ECG, or cardiac MRIs in order to check progress.
- Look at heart rhythm abnormalities or change of valves.
- Give information on physical exercise, diet, and physical activity.
- Discuss pregnancy risks or family planning methods of women with CHD.
These visits can be done every 6 months or one year depending on the complication of the condition.
The Significance of Adult Congenital Special Care
Children with CHD often need to shift their pediatric to adult congenital heart specialist as they grow up into adulthood. Such specialists are aware of the potential impact of childhood fix on the heart, which may be observed in the long-term perspective, and are able to offer a highly sophisticated treatment of the adult-related problems, including hypertension, pregnancy, or risks associated with lifestyle.
Check-ups with an adult congenital heart team should be provided regularly so as to ensure:
- Effective long term defect monitoring.
- Treatment of atrial fibrillation or valve disorders.
- Healthy sporting and physical activity.
- Information about drugs and preventive treatment.
When and how to Schedule Your Follow-up
Pregnant women: In case you or your child has an old heart defect that was congenital, you should ensure that you follow-up consistently as advised by your cardiologist. Monitoring at an early and regular date guarantees permanent heart health and tranquility