Other Possible Health Issues for People with Heart Defects

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a problem with how the heart beats. The heart can beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. As a result, the heart may not pump enough blood out to the body. Arrhythmia can also increase the risk for blood clots.

People with heart defects may have an arrhythmia because of their condition or because of past treatments or procedures for their heart defect. Some people can have an arrhythmia even in the absence of any heart defects.

Cardiovascular health issues

Adults with heart defects may be more likely than the general population to report cardiovascular issues such as heart failure or stroke.1

It is important that people living with heart defects receive ongoing specialty medical care.

Disability

Many people with heart defects live independent lives. Some people with a heart defect have little or no disability. For others, disability might increase or develop over time. People with a heart defect might also have genetic problems or other health conditions that increase the risk for disability.

Infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is an infection in the layers of the heart. If left untreated, it can lead to other problems, such as a blood clot, heart valve damage, or heart failure. Guidelines recommend that individuals with certain heart defects take oral antibiotics before having dental or surgical procedures. People with heart defects should discuss their condition with a doctor to determine if they should take antibiotics before a procedure.

Liver disease

People with single ventricle heart defects can develop liver disease due to their heart defect or because of past treatments or procedures for their heart defect. People with this type of heart defect should see a healthcare provider regularly to stay as healthy as possible.

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries (blood vessels) that lead from the heart to the lungs. Certain heart defects can cause pulmonary hypertension, which forces the heart and lungs to work harder. If the pulmonary hypertension is not treated, the right side of the heart can become enlarged over time. This can then lead to heart failure.

Other chronic conditions

As adults with heart defects age, they may develop other chronic conditions, like diabetes, obesity, or atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol in the arteries). These diseases might affect adults with a heart defect differently from adults without.