Outcomes in Special Populations Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Octogenarians, Women, and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Understanding the needs of the very elderly, women, and adults who have contenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery can contribute to successful outcomes. The very elderly have higher mortality and morbidity and special recovery implications. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women in the United States. Contributing to this problem are lack of awareness of risks, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and gender-specific issues of undergoing cardiac surgery. There are more adults than children living with congenital heart disease. Advances in the treatment of congenital heart disease present a growing population with unique needs and ongoing health care issues.