Approximately 500,000 adults in the U.S. suffer from congenital heart disease, which is a type of defect or malformation in the heart or blood vessels that occurs before birth. The most common congenital heart problems include heart valve defects, atrial and ventricular septal defects (defects in the walls between the atria and ventricles of the heart chamber), and heart muscle abnormalities.
Congenital heart defects are most often diagnosed before and after birth or during childhood. However, it is possible to have a defect and not be diagnosed until reaching adulthood. If symptoms are present, they may include heart murmur, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and a limited ability to exercise.
How is Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed?
If an abnormal heart sound or heart murmur is detected by your physician, he or she may order further testing to determine a diagnosis. Depending on the type of findings or symptoms, testing could include one or more of the following:
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Saint John's phenomenal success in treating patients with cardiac disease can be attributed to multiple factors. The Heart Program's high quality, dedicated nurses, physicians and technicians are the keys to our reputation. Also essential is our commitment to fast, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment through an array of cutting edge procedures and treatment options.
Saint John's Heart Center at Health Center is home to a full range of technologically advanced diagnostic testing, from the simple to the complex, to all aspects of surgical and interventional treatment of heart disease.
Accurate Diagnosis
The use of the latest diagnostic techniques enables our physicians at Saint John's to make giant advances in treating heart disease. We offer the latest diagnostic and interventional imaging services available, with the exception of PET. PET services are available to all patients at Tower Saint John's Imaging, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility located just one block from Saint John's. The imaging center is a joint venture between Tower Imaging Medical Group and Saint John's Health Center. Our diagnostic testing services include electrocardiograms (EKG), echocardiography, MRIs, cardiac catheterization and pacemaker/Implantable Cardio Defibrillator testing. Using Ultrafast CT Scan also allows our physicians to identify coronary artery disease at its earliest stage.
How is Adult Congenital Heart Disease Treated?
Heart defects can be treated with medications, procedures or surgery. For example, patients suffering from atrial septal defects (a hole in the upper chambers of the heart) can be successfully treated at Saint John's through a procedure called ASD Closure, which is conducted in the Heart Institute's Digital Catheterization Lab. Cardiologists insert an umbrella-like device via a catheter into the heart. Once inserted, the device expands to block the passageway between the atria and close the hole.