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Overall Plan
An overall plan of treatment is determined based on symptoms and diagnostic test results. Some adults with mild heart defects may require little or no treatment. Outpatient follow-up with a cardiologist is essential for these patients to maintain a healthy heart.
Moderate to severe symptoms may be managed with medications, minimally invasive procedures or surgical interventions. It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctors to determine the best plan of treatment for you.
Rountine Monitoring
In general, adults with congenital heart disease should be routinely monitored by their primary care doctor and a heart specialist that is dedicated to treating adults with congenital heart disease. In many instances the heart defect was improved through early treatment, but not cured. Therefore follow-up evaluations are important for the ongoing well-being of these patients.
Adults with a congenital heart defect should be aware that there is an increased risk for acquiring bacterial endocarditis. Based on the latest research, the American Heart Association has developed guidelines for taking antibiotics to prevent the occurrence of bacterial endocarditis. Follow the Patient and Family Resources American Heart Association link to read more about these guidelines. |