Transitioning to Adult Congenital Heart Services

Vanderbilt evaluates and manages congenital heart disease from childhood into adulthood

More than 85 percent of children born today with congenital heart disease can expect to reach adult age. Ongoing problems in adults require care from providers with special expertise in congenital heart disease. Making the transition from adolescence to adulthood is often difficult for any person with a lifelong illness, especially congenital heart disease. For most, there has been no organized approach to assure ongoing expert care for congenital heart patients as they reach adulthood.

Formed in 1995, the Vanderbilt Heart Adult Congenital program, is a collaborative effort between the Children's Hospital's Pediatric Heart Institute and Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute. It provides the expert care necessary for these adults to have the highest quality of life.

If you're the parent or caregiver of an adolescent with a congenital heart disease, it may be time to discuss how to transition your child to adult heart care. We're here to help you make that transition.

Appointments

For questions about patient referrals and appointments, call the Vanderbilt Heart call center at (615) 322-2318. Ask for the Vanderbilt Heart Adult Congenital program.