Classification and epidemiology

Abstract

The advent of open heart surgery has dramatically improved survival in children born with congenital heart disease (CHD). Over the last few decades, mortality has shifted almost entirely to adulthood. This has led to a growing number of adult survivors, particularly to a growing number of adults with complex congenital heart disease. Most patients are however not cured, and many remain at risk for cardiovascular complications and premature death. As most surgical repair techniques were invented only a few decades ago, the cohorts of adult survivors are still emerging and will continue to change in number and age distribution over the upcoming decades.