11/5/2008 - Webcast
Under-recognized Complications of Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Significant numbers of people are born with heart defects, the most common congenital lesion. But as a result of dramatic improvements in surgical and medical therapies in recent decades, many who might otherwise not have survived are now living well in adulthood. Still, even with surgical intervention, these patients remain vulnerable to the risks and complications of congenital heart disease. Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) experts, Dr. Craig Broberg and Dr. Joseph Weiss join this webcast to unravel misconceptions and underline important factors for a disease that is often under-recognized. Dr. Broberg is Director of Adult Congenital Heart Program specializing in adult congenital heart disease and non-invasive imaging, particularly cardiac MRI. Dr. Weiss is a cardiologist specializing in adult congenital heart disease and works closely with Dr. Broberg.

Both experts discuss the types of long term issues that commonly arise in those with congenital heart disease such as endocarditis or an infection of the heart or valves. People with heart defects are more prone to such infections, which can be hard to detect clinically and are often missed. Dr. Broberg also talks about complications during non-cardiac surgery and how heart disease tends to make routine procedures more risky. He also talks about evaluating the associated risks that can have a significant impact on decisions about reproduction, their approach, and difficult situations that can be avoided with some forethought.

Dr. Broberg and Dr. Weiss help listeners to understand long-term issues, the role of congenital heart disease in pregnancy and simple to severe complications of this disease. Listen to these highly knowledgeable experts for a closer look into a condition many people are living with.

Sponsored by Oregon Health & Science University

Guests: