DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN THE XXI CENTURY: IMPACT IN MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES


A.J. Marelli, M.D., M.P.H., Mc Gill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada

The field of complex congenital heart disease (CHD) has evolved greatly, allowing for more patients to survive into adulthood. Emerging is a new era of changing demographics that must be matched with services and infrastructures commensurate with its growth. Healthcare issues are multi-faceted, requiring a multi-disciplinary approach led by qualified adult congenital heart disease specialists. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a well-functioning healthcare system requires reliable information on which to base decisions and policies. Access to healthcare, however, is largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as the healthcare policies in place. To deliver a better understanding of the changing epidemiology of CHD as well as the impact of changing demographics of CHD on health services utilization and the impact of changing demographics of CHD policy and quality of heart disease care will be the goal of this lecture. Knowledge on the prevalence of adult congenital heart disease can inform the need for specialised services. Future planning and resource allocation for manpower and infrastructure development, based on accurate demographic data, is critical to confront the growing challenge of an increased adult CHD population.