An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the heart between the right and left top chambers (atria). This is not terribly uncommon with an estimated 1-2 per 1000 live births.  Most of these holes are small and do not cause long-term problems.  In some patients the hole is larger and can lead to extra blood flowing from the left side of the heart into … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

Your Questions Answered Is there an oral treatment that can replace continuously infused therapy (Flolan/Remodulin)? Flolan and Remodulin are also called Prostanoids.  This family of medicine has been the backbone of PAH therapy for our sickest PAH patients more than for 15 years.  In the past 2 years, the FDA approved 2 oral medicines that are in the same class (prostanoid … [Read more...]

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...]