Happy Heart Month Austin Kid’s Directory!
Each February, Americans recognize the month as Heart Month to emphasize the importance of general heart health. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week, Feb 7-14, raises awareness for the estimated 2.4 million Americans living with CHD (1).
You may know someone living with CHD without realizing it. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affecting about 1 in 100 births (~ 40,000 babies each year). The term covers a range of structural defects of the heart or its vessels. When someone is diagnosed with congenital heart disease, it means their heart did not form properly before birth.
Important information to remember is that congenital heart disease is manageable. While many are diagnosed with CHD as children, some may never know they have a heart defect. In addition, current studies estimate that 93% of one-year-olds with CHD are expected to survive for at least 35 years if they maintain treatment (1). Common tests ordered for CHD patients include echocardiograms (echos), electrocardiograms (EKGs), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, chest X-rays, cardiac catheterizations, and stress tests. Treatment depends on the severity of the heart defect.
As children, CHD patients see a pediatric cardiologist for their care. However, because children with CHD are now living longer into adulthood, new concerns, such as acquired heart disease, may appear later in life. Once adults, CHD patients must transition their care to a cardiologist board-certified in adult congenital heart disease. These board-certified providers are trained to manage adult CHD alongside general cardiology and other specialties.
Additional support is available to navigate concerns when new challenges appear later in life. Organizations such as the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) work to spread awareness of congenital heart disease through events such as conferences, clinic accreditation programs, educational materials, outreach and advocacy efforts, and research programs.
The Adult Congenital Heart Association has upcoming Walk for 1 in 100 fundraisers this spring to raise money for continued research, education, and outreach for the CHD community. On April 12, ACHA will host a second Walk for 1 in 100 event in Austin. This is a family-friendly event so bring out the kids for a fun day and a good cause! To find out more or register for the event, visit achaheart.org/Walk1in100.
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Founded in 1998, the Adult Congenital Heart Association is an organization begun by and dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with congenital heart disease and advancing the care and treatment available to our community.
The mission of the Adult Congenital Heart Association is to empower the congenital heart disease community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes.
The organization is committed to promoting excellence for every adult CHD patient by increasing access to the highest level of care and developing standards to allow patients and families to identify physicians and facilities providing that care. ACHA’s vision is that every adult with CHD receives specialized cardiac care.
To find out more about ACHA and its events, visit achaheart.org.