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Supporting Your Heart-Healthy Life.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Advanced care for a longer life

Congenital heart disease refers to heart defects people are born with, which don't always require medication or treatment. When they do, the heart specialists at Novant Health specialize in less invasive solutions that reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery times.

Take the First Step

If you believe you are at risk for heart disease, it’s time to take the first step in improving your cardiac health. Visit your primary care provider to discuss your heart health to see if you need a referral to one of our heart specialists. If you do not have a primary care provider, follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1:
Visit your Primary
Care Provider

Step 2:
Discuss your
concerns

Step 3:
Your provider gives
a referral

Step 4:
Choose the right
specialist for you

FAQs about Adult Congenital Heart Disease

What is adult congenital heart disease?

Adult congenital heart disease describes conditions related to structural heart problems, or defects, that were present at birth and require treatment during adulthood. These can include holes, leaky valves and other issues that can lead to arrhythmias and other conditions.

What causes it?

The likelihood of being born with a heart defect depends on the genes you inherit and conditions while in the womb, including:

Alcohol or tobacco use
Pre-existing conditions, including diabetes
Infection by specific viruses, including rubella and the flu
Use of certain medications, including anti-acne and anti-seizure drugs

What are some of its symptoms?

You may never experience symptoms related to a congenital heart defect as an adult. However, there are common symptoms that often arise, including:

Shortness of breath
Swelling, especially in the legs and feet
Faster or irregular heartbeat
High blood pressure
Enlarged heart

What are its potential complications?

Conditions Treated

Atrial Septal Defect

Ventricular Septal Defect

Patent Foramen Ovale

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Specialists

General cardiologist

When your primary care provider concludes that your symptoms indicate a heart-related condition, they'll usually refer you to a general cardiologist to perform more in-depth tests and exams.

Interventional cardiologist

An interventional cardiologist has completed more extensive medical training than a general cardiologist. They can perform specific heart-related surgical procedures, including those often used to treat adult congenital heart disease.

Cardiothoracic surgeon

A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in heart surgery. The cardiac surgeons at Novant Health have decades of experience and can handle even the most complicated conditions as part of a personalized care plan.

Nuclear cardiologist

A nuclear cardiologist is trained in advanced imaging techniques that determine how well your heart is functioning. This includes blood flow, the size of your heart, and the potential for or aftereffects of a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Clinical cardiac electrophysiologist

A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist is a heart care specialist focused on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). They're trained in interventional and surgical procedures.