Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in Seniors: a Retrospective Study Defining a Brand New Cohort

Abstract

Background: With improved surgical techniques and medical therapy, pa­tients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are now expected to achieve normal life expectancies. As a result, a new cohort of senior patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is emerging which has not been well characterized. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review of patients with mod­erate to complex CHD over the age of 60 years in Southern Alberta. We examined the number, length, and reasons for hospitalizations, and identified common adult comorbidities. Results: A total of 84 patients with CHD who were 60 years or older were identified. The average age was 67.9 ± 6.6 years, with the majority of patients having moderate CHD. The most common cardiac comorbidities were arrhythmia, hyperten­sion, and heart failure, which were also the most common reasons for hospital admission. There were 1.85 admissions per 10 patient-years, with a median length of stay of 6.0 (3.8–10.5) days. Conclusions: With advanced age, the ACHD population is at risk of de­veloping significant medical burden from acquired cardiac comorbidities, resulting in hospitalization. This analysis pro­vides insight into disease characteristics of seniors with CHD. Further studies are needed to better understand this population and the association with geriatric syndromes.