Abstract
As a result of significant advances in diagnostic, surgical, interventional, and pharmacological approaches, up to 95% of infants born with a congenital heart defect now survive into adulthood and there are at least 800000 adult congenital heart disease patients living in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these individuals consider themselves "cured" or "fixed" and might have the misperception of a cure for a variety of reasons. The "cured" label is problematic and congenital heart disease is most accurately considered a chronic condition. This article outlines the concerns associated with the cured label. This is followed by the presentation of 4 illustrating case studies. Members of an adult congenital cardiology healthcare team must be prepared to address the full spectrum of concerns faced by patients who experience unexpected health deterioration. This spectrum includes both biomedical and psychosocial factors.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 44-54 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Congenital Heart Disease |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Congenital heart disease
- Education
- Psychosocial
- Qualityof life
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Surgery
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine