ACC/AHA release updated guidelines for managing adult congenital heart disease
More people than ever before are living long, full lives with congenital heart disease—but adulthood brings new challenges. To guide physicians and patients through this growing frontier, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have released updated clinical guidelines for managing congenital heart disease in adults (ACHD). The guideline, jointly published in JACC and Circulation, incorporates the latest evidence from 2017–2024, updating recommendations last issued in 2018. Congenital heart disease (CHD)—structural defects present at birth—is the most common birth defect, affecting about 1% of newborns in the U.S. thanks to decades of advances in pediatric cardiology and surgery, over 90% now survive into adulthood. But this success has created a new reality: a rapidly growing population of adults with CHD who remain at risk for complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and pregnancy-related challenges later in life. The new guideline expands on several key areas. First, it underscores the critical need for lifelong, specialized care. Many patients lose connection with CHD experts after childhood due to geographic, financial, or awareness barriers. The ACC and AHA now recommend that adults with congenital heart disease be regularly evaluated by, or in consultation with, certified ACHD specialists—especially those with moderate or complex defects. Another major addition is the guideline’s renewed focus on mental health, cognitive well-being, and exercise. Research has shown that anxiety, depression, and neurocognitive issues are common but underdiagnosed in ACHD patients. Clinicians are encouraged to routinely screen for mental health symptoms and ensure timely referrals. On physical activity, the authors promote personalized exercise testing—not restriction. “We’re now saying adults with CHD are not only allowed but encouraged to be active,” noted Dr. Michelle Gurvitz, chair of the writing committee. As Dr. Gurvitz explained, “Our most complex patients are our fastest-growing group. These guidelines help ensure that as they live longer, they also live better.” The new framework marks a vital step toward continuous, comprehensive, and compassionate care for adults born with heart disease—a population once deemed untreatable, now thriving well into old age. Check full updates on Medical Dialogues Also check out - Medical Dialogues Academy, a renowned academic wing of Medical Dialogues - India's premier health and news online portal, proudly presents this comprehensive course tailored for healthcare professionals eager to delve into the realm of medical journalism. 🔗 Enroll Today: https://academy.medicaldialogues.in/c... 📚 Explore More With Us: 📌 Medical Content Writing: https://academy.medicaldialogues.in/c... 📌 Certificate Course in Pharmaceutical Medico-Marketing: https://academy.medicaldialogues.in/c... Join us on this enlightening journey and become a part of a community pushing the boundaries of healthcare communication and reporting. Get the latest medical and health news at medicaldialogues.in Follow us on Twitter: / medicaldialogs Facebook: / medicaldialogues Instagram: / medicaldialogues LinkedIn: / medical-dialogues Website: https://medicaldialogues.in/
