Adult Congenital Heart Disease

More than 1.4 million adults in the United States are living with congenital heart disease. If you’re one of them, your condition may affect your energy, daily activities, or long-term heart health. Ongoing specialty care can help you manage symptoms and maintain a more active, independent lifestyle. 

At WMCHealth, we care for adults with all types of congenital heart conditions. Our team includes specialists in adult and pediatric heart care, working together to provide personalized, lifelong treatment options. 

Types of Adult Congenital Heart Disease 

There are many types of congenital heart defects. Some involve holes in the heart’s walls. Others affect how the heart valves open and close, or how the blood vessels are connected. 

Common types include: 

• Atrial septal defect (ASD): A hole between the heart’s upper chambers. 
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD): A hole between the heart’s lower chambers. 
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): A blood vessel that stays open after birth. 
• Coarctation of the aorta: A narrowing of the body’s main artery. 
• Transposition of the great arteries (TGA): The heart’s two main arteries are switched. 
• Tetralogy of Fallot: A group of four problems that affect blood flow. 
• Single ventricle defects: One pumping chamber is smaller or does not work well. 

Some adults may have more than one defect. Others may need surgery or follow-up care as their heart changes over time.