Congenital heart disease in adults

Major advances in paediatric cardiac surgery over recent years have resulted in an increased number of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) surviving into adulthood. Currently in Europe, the adult CHD population is greater than that of the paediatric CHD population. This changing prevalence and ageing congenital population brings with it multiple co-morbidities and new challenges in all areas of their medical, surgical and psychological management. This article gives an introduction to the common conditions presenting acutely to general physicians, long-term complications, treatment options and the long-term considerations for end-of-life care. Adult congenital heart disease patients are safest treated in a network with a multidisciplinary team approach.