Adult Congenital

Thanks to groundbreaking advances in medical and surgical techniques, patients born with serious heart disorders - congenital heart disease - over the past several decades are now surviving into adulthood.  Special expertise is required to manage the unique problems faced by these patients as they transition from their pediatric providers and continue into adult life.  Adult patients with congenital heart disease may face challenges related to their original heart disorder, or associated with previous surgeries or procedures.  These problems may include heart valve dysfunction, wear and tear on artificial heart valves or patches in the heart, abnormal connections between heart structures, irregular heart rhythms, or abnormal heart pumping function.  Previous heart surgeries may require monitoring or revision to promote long life and normal functioning. 

North Cascade Cardiology is able to offer comprehensive care for adults with congenital heart disease through cardiologists with special training and experience in this area, and an affiliation with the University of Washington and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle.  North Cascade Cardiology offers new patient evaluation for individuals with known or suspected congenital heart disease, including complex conditions, as well as long-term follow-up.  Patients from Whatcom and nearby counties previously needing to travel to Seattle for this type of specialized care may now receive their care closer to home.  For some patients, a coordinated plan sharing care between North Cascade Cardiology and the University of Washington Adult Congenital Heart Program is appropriate.

Services offered at The North Cascade Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Program include:

• New Patient Evaluation: for patients with known congenital heart disease transitioning from pediatric providers, or providers in other areas; or for patients suspected of having congenital heart disease.
• Long-Term Follow-Up: coordinated long-term monitoring and care for patients with congenital heart disease
• Cardiac Imaging: state of the art imaging testing is available, including echocardiography, CT scanning, and MRI.   For assessment of heart function, artificial heart valves, native heart valve function, abnormalities of arteries and veins, and previous surgeries.
• Heart Rhythm Care: including placement and care of pacemakers, and assessment of irregular heart rhythms.