Mortality in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Analysis of Outcomes and Risk Stratification

Abstract

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a rising concern for the current healthcare system, with a prevalence that is anticipated to steadily increase through the year 2050. It is estimated that there are >1.4 million adults in the United States living with a congenital heart defect. Despite significant advances in medical and surgical therapy, most of these patients progress to advanced heart failure due to the unique anatomic, physiological, and hemodynamic abnormalities associated with the disease. Patient awareness of the disease coupled with advances in the diagnosis and treatment has led to a significant increase in the surgical treatment of CHD in adults. The authors aim to summarize and critically appraise the current literature on the morbidity, mortality, and risk scores associated with ACHD.