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Cardiovascular Prevention Among Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

  • Evidence-Based Medicine, Clinical Trials and Their Interpretations (K. Nasir, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

There are over a million adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the USA. There have been improvements in CHD management which have led to an expansion of the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population. There is a high prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) encountered in the aging ACHD population. This review focuses on the most recent literature regarding the primary prevention of ASCVD in young ACHD patients.

Recent Findings

There are unique considerations for ASCVD risk reduction in ACHD patients. ASCVD may be as prevalent in ACHD compared in the general population. However, there may be a perceived shorter life expectancy in ACHD patients; therefore, primary prevention of ASCVD may not be considered important.

Summary

Preventative strategies for ASCVD are underutilized in ACHD patients. As these patients are followed for a lifetime by cardiologists, we can truly pursue primary prevention in this aging population

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Matthew R. Lippmann

  2. Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Ami B. Bhatt

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Lippmann, M.R., Bhatt, A.B. Cardiovascular Prevention Among Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 24, 509–514 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-022-01034-6

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