Why choose Geisinger for adult congenital heart disease care?
Having adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) means you were born with a heart condition — whether you were diagnosed in childhood or your doctor discovered it later in your life. Our specialists care for people with simple and complex congenital heart conditions at every age.
Here, your care plan is tailored to your symptoms, diagnosis and long-term health needs. Visits often involve several specialists working together to coordinate your care and help you better understand your condition and treatment options.
Cardiac genetics programs are also available to help identify inherited heart risks. Through MyCode® Community Health Initiative, certain genetic markers linked to heart disease can be identified earlier, helping guide monitoring and treatment decisions.
To book a consultation with an ACHD specialist, ask your primary care provider for a referral.
Treatments and services we offer
Related specialties
FAQs
What’s congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease refers to one or more problems with the structure or valves of your heart that have been present since birth. These conditions can affect the way blood flows through your heart. Common congenital heart conditions include:
- Atrial septal defect
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Congenital valve defects
- Ebstein’s anomaly
- Holes in the heart
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Patent foramen ovale
- Tricuspid aorta
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Pulmonary artery stenosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Truncus arteriosus
- Ventricular septal defects
What’s adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)?
ACHD refers to congenital heart conditions diagnosed or managed during adulthood. Some people are diagnosed as children and continue care as adults, while others may not discover a congenital heart condition until later in life.
Care for ACHD focuses on long-term heart health, symptom management and regular monitoring.
What are congenital heart disease symptoms in adults?
Congenital heart disease symptoms in adults vary depending on the condition and its severity. Some people have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Heart murmur
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs or feet
- Bluish skin, lips or nails
If you notice symptoms that concern you, talk with your doctor about evaluation and testing.
How is ACHD diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose adult congenital heart disease using imaging, heart monitoring and other tests that evaluate your heart’s structure and function. Your care team may recommend noninvasive or minimally invasive testing based on your symptoms and medical history.
Tests include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records your heart’s electrical activity using sensors placed on your chest and arms.
- Blood tests: Help evaluate your overall health and check for conditions that affect heart function.
- Chest X-ray: Creates images of your heart and lungs to look for changes associated with heart disease.
- Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI and ultrasound imaging provide detailed views of your heart and blood vessels.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of your heart and show how it’s functioning.
- Heart monitor: Tracks your heart rhythm over time while you go about your daily activities.
- Stress test: Measures how your heart responds during physical activity.
How do you treat ACHD?
Treatment for adult congenital heart disease depends on your specific condition, symptoms and overall heart health. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, adjusting your diet, managing weight and reducing stress can all help manage symptoms and support long-term heart health.
- Medications: A range of medications can help manage symptoms and treat underlying heart conditions.
- Surgery and procedures: Depending on your condition, a surgeon may recommend a procedure to repair your heart's valves, arteries or muscle.
Adult congenital heart disease care at Geisinger
Here, your ACHD specialists provide coordinated care focused on long-term heart health and quality of life. They offer:
- Personalized treatment plans: Care is tailored to your condition, symptoms and long-term health goals.
- Team-based care: Cardiologists, surgeons and other specialists work together to coordinate care for simple and complex congenital heart conditions.
- Research and innovation: Ongoing research and clinical advancements help expand treatment options and improve heart care.
- Care close to home: Locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania make it easier to access specialized ACHD care and follow-up visits.