Biomedical and psychosocial evaluation of "Cured"adults with congenital heart disease

Arwa S. Saidi, Joseph Paolillo, Frederick J. Fricker, Samuel F. Sears, Adrienne H. Kovacs

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)44-54
Number of pages11
JournalCongenital Heart Disease
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2007
Externally publishedYes

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

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