What are adult structural heart defects?

Adult heart can have structural abnormality and are broadly classified into following depending upon aetiology

1. Adult congenital heart defects (grown up congenital heart defects (CHD) GUCH): They are present since birth. Due to paucity of medical infrastructure in India, it is not unusual to come across undiagnosed CHD in early twenties or even later. In adult population these defects behave differently from that in paediatric.

   Even adults who undergo corrective surgeries in childhood, occasionally ( 5 to 25%) suffer from some specific post operative issues which are otherwise rare in general population.

2. Acquired heart defects: These are commonly found in India and are result of diseases affecting heart after birth. Rheumatic heart disease is the leading cause of acquired heart defects in India. It damages heart valves. Other being mitral valve prolapse, ascending aortic dilatation, aortoarteritis, etc.

Is there any difference between adult congenital heart defects and kids?

In adults, incidence of structural heart diseases is less than ischemic heart diseases. Requirements of these patients are different and they need dedicated treatment. Considering complexity and multi disciplinary approach, a new field of cardiology has been developed which exclusively deals with structural and congenital heart defects in adults.

These adults also have additional co morbidities like pulmonary hypertension, risk of sudden death, narrowing of vessels after surgery, abnormal dilatation of heart chambers, protein losing enteropathy, etc. Considering this maze of problems, one solution do not fit all. Highly individualized, tailor made, scientific and evidence based approach helps to come to a solution and improve quality of life.

What are the different modalities of management in this situation?

The first step is to understand the disease process thoroughly and find out the most important reason for present medical condition. Some patients may improve with medication, while other may need trans catheter intervention or surgery to rectify the problem.

Sujyot heart clinic is dedicated to management of congenital and structural heart problems in paediatric as well as adults. It offers not only comprehensive diagnostic evaluation but also provide scientific and honest opinion which help to improve patient well being.

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