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    Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)

    Specialized lifelong care for adults living with CHD

    Overview

    For the first time in history, adults with congenital heart disease outnumber children with the same conditions. Yet many adults with CHD are lost to follow-up or seen by providers without specialized ACHD training. Our ACHD program delivers expert, guideline-directed care designed for the unique physiology and life-stage needs of grown-up CHD patients.

    Why ACHD-Specific Care Matters

    Adults with congenital heart disease face a distinct set of medical challenges that general cardiologists rarely encounter. Residual hemodynamic lesions, complex post-surgical anatomy, and interactions with acquired conditions like hypertension or diabetes demand a clinician who understands both the original defect and its long-term trajectory. ACHD-trained specialists bridge the gap between pediatric and adult cardiology.

    Common ACHD Conditions

    The ACHD population includes patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, single-ventricle circulations (Fontan physiology), Ebstein anomaly, coarctation of the aorta, and many other diagnoses. Each condition carries unique risks for arrhythmia, heart failure, and end-organ complications that require tailored surveillance and management strategies.

    Comprehensive Evaluation

    A thorough ACHD evaluation includes advanced imaging (cardiac MRI, CT, 3D echocardiography), exercise stress testing, electrophysiology assessment, and review of the complete surgical history. This multidimensional approach allows precise risk stratification and evidence-based treatment planning — whether the goal is medical optimization, catheter intervention, or repeat surgery.

    Life-Stage Considerations

    ACHD care extends beyond the heart. We address pregnancy planning, contraception counseling, exercise guidance, insurance navigation, mental health screening, and career planning. Every aspect of care is informed by the understanding that CHD is a lifelong condition requiring proactive, patient-centered management at every stage.

    Who Is This For?

    • Adults born with congenital heart defects — repaired or unrepaired
    • Patients who have been lost to cardiology follow-up since childhood
    • Adults with CHD planning pregnancy or major life transitions
    • Providers seeking ACHD consultation for complex patients