An infant born with a relatively simple heart defect is far more likely to develop heart problems as an adult, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered.
An infant born with a relatively simple heart defect is far more likely to develop heart problems as an adult, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered.
The risk is so great that someone born with a heart defect who has a heart-healthy lifestyle is twice as likely to develop heart problems as someone born without a defect who has a heart-averse lifestyle.
“All of us in cardiology recognize that people with complex disease need follow-up care throughout their lives," said James Priest, MD, assistant professor of pediatric cardiology. “But for the simple problems, we’ve been thinking that once you close the hole or fix the valve, these patients are good to go.”
The research findings suggest that the medical community should watch adults who were born with heart defects — even minor ones — more carefully. Medications and lifestyle changes may help prevent or delay major heart conditions, such as heart attacks, stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Read more at Stanford Medicine
Image: James Priest and his collaborators found that people born with a minor heart defect are at greater risk of developing heart problems as they get older. (Credit: Norbert von der Groeben)
