Congenital Heart Defects and the Need for Transitional Services Brandon Howell Christine Haltiwanger Introduction to Health Promotion and Wellness 13 April 2015

What are congenital heart defects? Heart problems that are present at birth Heart or blood vessels that do not form properly and can – Cause health problems – Affect development – Affect how the body works – Possible death

What causes congenital heart defects? Changes in genes or chromosomes – Down’s syndrome has extra 21 st chromosome – Edward’s syndrome has extra 18 th chromosome Maternal risks – Toxins or poisons – Existing medical conditions – Medications

Medical advances increase survival Medications for mild conditions Catheters can be used to repair – Atrial septal defect (ASD) – Ventricular septal defect (VSD) – Other defects Open heart surgery for complex cases Heart transplants for very severe conditions

Survival Present Children have a 90% chance of surviving to adulthood even with a severe defect Prenatal screening is a benefit Past Many did not live past the first year with mild to moderate defects High risk for severe defects

Problems related to increased survival Patients get frustrated – Passed around because no one knows what to do – Don’t receive follow-up care – Stop going for appointments Adult & pediatric cardiologists are not trained to handle adult congenital heart defects – Certification takes time – Awareness slow to spread

Intervention Educate current medical personnel to recognize the need for a transitional specialist – Research & provide family with information – Know who and where transitional specialists are – Work with patient and transitional physician to ensure a successful relationship

End result More adults getting the proper care they need Prevention of critical problems Shared information More awareness Better future for patients