Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
To make an appointment call (414) 266-6784.
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, in conjunction with Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, runs one of the few adult congenital heart disease programs in the country to treat the increasing number of people born with heart conditions who are living into adulthood. Thanks to advances in pediatric surgery and cardiothoracic surgery there now are more than a million adults with congenital heart disease living in the United States.
As a result, a new specialty - Adult Congenital Heart Disease - has begun to treat this unique population, but very few physicians are trained. Two of the less than 40 physicians nationwide with this experience see patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. They also are on staff at Froedtert Hospital and are part of both adult and pediatric divisions at the Medical College of Wisconsin. This allows them to span the pediatric and adult medical specialties to provide the best, most complete care.
Why is a special program necessary?
Since adult patients with congenital heart disease are now surviving longer than ever before, it is becoming increasingly apparent that even the most simple defects can be associated with long-term complications we never knew existed. These include both cardiac and non-cardiac problems. Cardiac complications include: rhythm problems, heart block, heart failure, residual holes, leaky and tight valves, high blood pressure and aneurysms. Non-cardiac issues include learning disabilities, hearing and vision problems, and lung problems.
Should I receive follow-up care?
Although the majority of children who undergo surgical intervention will survive to adulthood, "total correction" is not the rule. The few exceptions include patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defects and atrial septal defects, and only if they are closed early before irreversible cardiac or lung damage develops and no residual lesions exist. The vast majority of patients who underwent heart surgery as a child should have periodical evaluations for life.
While many people may not experience any symptoms, early warning signs may include:
- Heart racing.
- Extra beats.
- Exercise intolerance or reduction in stamina.
- Easily exhausted, for example when walking up stairs.
In addition, many other non-cardiac problems arise during adulthood that also require special attention. These include:
- Difficulties in obtaining health and life insurance.
- Pregnancy.
- Birth control.
- Exercise restrictions.
- Learning disabilities.
These problems all can have a major impact on quality of life. The adult congenital heart disease staff is experienced and dedicated in helping deal with these many issues.
The clinic offers:
In addition, the adult congenital heart disease team is involved in numerous national collaborative research projects to continue improving the care for this and future generations of adults with congenital heart disease.
Location
Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Our Specialists:
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Jane Sowinski, RN, is the nurse clinician and clinic coordinator.
 Michael Earing, MD
 Peter Bartz, MD
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