Follow-up care for congenital heart disease

Babies with congenital heart disease are followed by specialists called pediatric cardiologists. These physicians diagnose heart conditions and help manage the health of children before and after surgical repair of the heart problem. Specialists who correct heart problems in the operating room are known as pediatric cardiovascular or cardiothoracic surgeons.

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It is imperative that individuals born with congenital heart disease who have reached adulthood transition to the appropriate type of cardiac care. The type of care required is based on the type of CHD a person has. People with simple types of CHD can generally be cared for by a community adult cardiologist. Those with more complex types of CHD will need to be cared for at a center that specializes in adult congenital heart disease.