Heart

The adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) program at Intermountain Children's Health ensures that you, as a young adult, get the care you need throughout your life. 

Our team prioritizes congenital heart conditions and partners with you to help you connect with the doctors who understand your health. This team includes primary care providers, interventional specialists, electrical specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, OB/GYN, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, heart failure and transplant cardiologists, cardiac genetics experts, social workers, inpatient providers, and more.

We work closely with your pediatric cardiologist to make sure you can safely transition from their care to the adult world of cardiology. During the initial clinic visit, we’ll go over your history and schedule any tests your doctors need. Possible testing may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram (Echo)
• Chest X-ray
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computerized Tomography (CT)
• Cardiac Event Monitor
• Exercise Stress Test

Connective tissue disorders

Connective tissue disorders affect the body’s structural components and may cause heart and blood vessel complications. If you have a connective tissue disorder, our ACHD team can help watch for the potential complications and connect you with your long-term care team.

Heart transplant

Those with congenital heart conditions may eventually require a heart transplant. There are several reasons why this may be the best option, but the process is very involved and does carry significant risk. Our team will work with you to ensure all other options are explored and you feel comfortable with your care before pursuing a transplant.

Genetic syndromes

Most congenital heart conditions are from an unknown cause. However, some heart conditions may have an underlying genetic syndrome. Genetic counseling may be appropriate for you and can be discussed with your ACHD team.

Pregnancy

If you’re a woman with a congenital heart condition, we strongly encourage you to establish a primary OB/GYN provider and meet with a maternal-fetal medicine provider (high-risk OB/GYN) before considering pregnancy. You can also talk to certified genetic counselors and physicians with genetic specialization. Your primary OB/GYN can discuss birth control and sexual function, including any side effects of medications. All ACHD providers can assist you with an OB/GYN consult at the University of Utah and Intermountain Medical Center.  

Support

Needing and seeking cardiac care can be challenging, that’s why we can help connect you with mental and social health services.

Pulmonary hypertension

Our team works very closely with pulmonary hypertension (high lung blood pressure) specialists through the pediatric and adult hospitals in Salt Lake City. A pulmonary hypertension specialist and your adult congenital cardiologist will help you manage your condition.