Electrophysiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Advances and Options

Although “congenital heart disease” incorporates a broad and diverse spectrum of inborn cardiac disorders, one shared feature is the propensity for cardiac arrhythmias, albeit to varying degrees. The magnitude of this issue is underscored by its high prevalence, major impact on morbidity and disability, considerable consummation of healthcare resources, and loss of life at ages well below normative population values. Moreover, with changing demographics, arrhythmias increasingly afflict the aging and growing population of survivors with congenital heart disease. Nevertheless, the field of cardiac electrophysiology has, auspiciously, greatly matured over the past 2 decades. The fruits of this progress are largely applicable to adults with congenital heart disease. This review focuses on recent advances and emerging therapeutic options that are providing safer solutions and increasing the effectiveness with which arrhythmias may be managed in adults with congenital heart disease, spanning pharmacotherapy to innovative interventions.