Risk Factors for Acquired Cardiovascular Disease in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Advances in surgical and clinical management of patients with congenital heart disease has
made survival to adulthood an expectation. Today there are more than 1 million adult
survivors of congenital heart disease, but increasing age brings additional concerns for
this patient population. Although the literature remains scarce, existing evidence suggests
that inactivity, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and acquired cardiovascular disease may be at
least as prevalent in patients with congenital heart disease, if not more so, than in an
age-matched general population. Acquired cardiovascular disease is likely to impact
substantially on long-term survival and quality of life in these patients with palliated and
already fragile hearts. This research study is to determine the risk factors for acquired
heart disease, in adults with congenital heart disease. This knowledge is important to
develop and target ways to prevent or delay the onset of acquired heart disease in adults
with congenital heart disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Male or Female over 18 years of age

- Moderate or Complex Congenital Heart Disease

- Willingness to Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Pregnancy

- Surgery within 6 months

- Unrepaired cyanotic heart disease

- Patients with Eisenmenger Syndrome physiology