The Centre for Adult congenital heart disease, a joint program of the Children Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and the Heart Institute and vascular UPMC is to respond? the particular challenges faced by adults born with congenital heart disease.
Alexis Laney was just 14 months old when she underwent surgery to open heart in Cleveland to repair a faulty valve. She annual examinations until age 17, when his pediatric cardiologist referred her to an adult cardiologist. Should sporadic checks, but stopped going after giving birth to a son in 05.
Now 27, the young woman and the mother finally gave in to push the final year of his family and saw a cardiologist near her home in Youngstown, Ohio. Although his electrocardiogram and echocardiogram were normal, he urged Alexis to see a specialist in congenital heart disease of adults (CDHA) Centre at the Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC children, saying, "I do not know that it must look, but they will. "
tests conducted by Stephen Cook, MD, FACC, Director of CDHA Center, found scar tissue blocking blood flow to the aorta. - Serious condition to put it at risk of sudden death" J ' was shocked. I would have collapsed and died, "Alexis said.
Expert Lifelong Care
Alexis is part of a growing population of adults born with heart defects who underwent cardiac surgery as rescue newborns and children. Thanks to medical advances and improved surgical techniques, "the number of adults with congenital heart disease has exceeded the number of congenital pediatric patients with heart disease," says Dr. Cook.
The CDHA Center offers specialized care and transition support for patients with congenital heart disease.
"Despite the surgery, patients may experience complications in adulthood, including arrhythmias, stroke, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Our management and monitoring allows these young people - now in their prime. - to lead a long and productive life, "says Dr. Cook
health Perspectives
Before his diagnosis, Alexis thought she was in great shape ; she had lost 100 pounds, was being run daily, and had completed a two mile race, but his conditioning actually helped conceal his deteriorating health after undergoing surgery in childhood.. April restore blood flow, she now realizes how much she feels better. the next summer, she ran the race again.
"last year, I'm better conditioned, but I could not not breathe after the race. This year, I felt great, "said Alexis. "I'm glad I went to children. I am more confident about the year now. I know that my heart can take it."
For more information, contact the Center for Congenital Heart Disease adults 412-692-5540 or by email ACHD@chp.edu.
0 Komentar