By Tabitha Moe and Jeremy Feldman As a young adult with congenital heart disease, it is important for you to take responsibility for your own health and well being. Over the years your parents and caregivers may have made decisions for you. As a young adult, you now are in a position to make your own decisions about your health and wellness. We are approaching flu season, … [Read more...]
Living with Complex Congenital Heart Disease
By Tabitha Moe and Jeremy Feldman A normal heart has 4 chambers: 2 top chambers and 2 bottom chambers. In some patients, only a single bottom chamber (ventricle) develops. These patients with a single ventricle are the most complex form of congenital heart disease. The first surgery to repair this defect occurred in 1968 and was published by Dr. Fontan in 1971. The … [Read more...]
Congenital Heart Disease and Sleep Apnea
Co-Authored By Tabitha Moe and Jeremy Feldman As of 2011, there are more adults than children with congenital heart disease. Children with congenital heart disease who were born in the 1980’s and 1990’s were given exercise restrictions that were quite limiting. This kept them from participating in competitive sports, recreational sports, or even playing in gym class at … [Read more...]
Cystatin C, A New Blood Test
By Tabitha Moe and Jeremy Feldman For patients with congenital heart disease related PAH (PAH-CHD), a new blood test called Cystatin C is showing promise as a tool to help your doctor determine if you are at risk for problems related to PAH. Such problems might include admission to the hospital, abnormal heart rhythms and worsening heart failure. What is Cystatin C? Cystatin … [Read more...]
Update on Medical Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Congenital Heart Disease (PAH-CHD)
In 1995 epoprostenol, a continuously infused prostanoid medication, was approved for the treatment of PAH. Although this medicine worked to decrease pulmonary artery pressures, there were many risks with this therapy in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. Since an intravenous catheter was required, there was a small but real risk of blood stream infection. There was also … [Read more...]
