Special hearts need special care
Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have been managing a congenital heart condition for years, our team will deliver the specialized care your heart deserves.
Adult congenital heart disease
From diagnosis to treatment and management of congenital heart conditions, our specialists can help you thrive.
Often, congenital heart disease is diagnosed by pediatric cardiology early in life, but you may also receive a diagnosis as an adult. Geisinger offers a dedicated congenital heart disease program, with care for all ages. Our adult congenital heart specialists help manage these cases from childhood to adulthood.
We offer:
- Personalized care: Unique-to-you treatment plans for simple or complex issues provide relief and help you be as strong and healthy as possible.
- Team approach to complex care: You’ll meet with a variety of specialists and support staff in one visit, who will educate you on your condition and treatment plan.
- Treatments powered by research: Through ongoing education, research and innovation, we’re evolving heart care.
- Genetic testing and counseling programs: Cardiac genetics programs determine whether you have a higher-than-normal heart risk. MyCode®, only at Geisinger, detects the earliest signs of certain heart conditions so you can start treatment right away — and maybe even avoid a diagnosis.
- Women’s heart health specialists: Our cardiology team pursues breakthroughs and research that will impact the future of women’s heart health.
- Excellent care in your neighborhood: With locations throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, exceptional care is never far from home.
Request a consultation
Our specialists are trained in all aspects of heart care. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Advanced diagnostic testing for congenital heart conditions
We use advanced imaging and other testing to diagnose your heart condition. We offer noninvasive and minimally invasive tests including 3D echocardiography, advanced MRI and CT angiography. More diagnostic tests your doctor may perform include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This noninvasive test uses small sensors attached to your chest and arms to record your heart’s electrical activity.
- Blood tests – These tests can also rule out any issues with your thyroid, liver or kidneys.
- Chest X-ray – This allows your doctor to see the condition of your lungs and heart, and potentially rule out other causes of your symptoms.
- Imaging tests – Your doctor might perform an X-ray, a more in-depth computed tomography (CT) scan or an ultrasound to get a closer look at your heart.
- Echocardiogram – A wand-like device is placed on your chest and uses sound waves to create a video of your heart working.
- Heart monitor – You’ll wear a heart rhythm monitor anywhere from 24 hours to 4 weeks to record your heart’s electrical activity and monitor your heart rhythm.
- Stress test – This involves monitoring your heart while you exercise.
What is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease refers to 1 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 are the symptoms of congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease may not show any symptoms. However, for different stages of congenital heart disease, symptoms vary and may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat or with exertion
- Heart palpitations
- A heart murmur
- Swelling, also known as edema, in your legs, feet and veins in your neck
- Extreme fatigue
- A bluish tint to your skin, lips or nails
Just having some of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have congenital heart disease. But if you have symptoms, be sure to speak to your doctor to rule out other health conditions.
What heart treatments are available?
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended:
Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to help you manage your symptoms. These may include:
- Quitting smoking
- Change in diet
- Losing weight
- Reducing stress
Your doctor may recommend prescription medications to help you manage your symptoms and treat heart conditions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with congenital heart disease, it means you were born with a heart defect that affects the shape of your heart or how it functions. Depending on the type of congenital heart defect you have, your surgeon may perform a procedure to repair your heart’s valves, your arteries or the heart muscle itself.
