Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition, something diagnosed early, treated, and then left behind. But the reality is very different. Today, most Canadians living with congenital heart disease are adults, and many continue to need heart and lung monitoring throughout their lives.
During Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week (February 7–14), it’s an important time to talk openly about what CHD is, how it can affect people at different stages of life, and why ongoing care matters, even if you feel “fine.”
What Is Congenital Heart Disease?
Congenital Heart Disease refers to a structural difference in the heart that is present at birth. These differences affect how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body.
CHD can range from:
- Mild conditions that may only require monitoring
- To more complex conditions that need lifelong follow-up and care
Thanks to medical advances, most children born with CHD now survive into adulthood. That’s good news, but it also means ongoing care is more important than ever.
Common Types of Congenital Heart Disease
There are many forms of CHD, each with different impacts on heart and lung function. Some of the more common types include:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole between the upper chambers of the heart
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the lower chambers
- Valve abnormalities: Valves that are too narrow, leaky, or don’t open properly
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A combination of heart defects that affect oxygen levels
- Coarctation of the Aorta: Narrowing of the aorta that affects blood flow
Each condition comes with different monitoring and care needs, which is why individualized follow-up is so important.
Living With Congenital Heart Disease as an Adult
One of the biggest misconceptions about CHD is that it’s “fixed” in childhood. In reality, many adults with CHD still experience symptoms or changes over time.
Adults living with congenital heart disease may notice:
- Fatigue that feels out of proportion to activity
- Shortness of breath during exercise or daily tasks
- Heart palpitations or irregular rhythms
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Anxiety around physical symptoms
Even people who had surgery or treatment years ago can develop changes later in life. Regular check-ins help catch issues early, before they become more serious.
Why Heart and Lung Monitoring Matters for CHD Patients
Your heart and lungs work as a team. When one is under strain, the other often feels it.
In people with CHD:
- Changes in heart structure can affect oxygen delivery
- Increased pressure in the lungs can develop over time
- Shortness of breath isn’t always “just being out of shape”
This is why combined heart and lung monitoring is so valuable. Tests like pulmonary function testing (PFTs) can help determine whether symptoms are coming from the lungs, the heart, or both.
Symptoms Adults with CHD Should Not Ignore
Some symptoms are subtle and easy to brush off, especially during busy or stressful periods. But ongoing or worsening symptoms should always be checked.
Pay attention to:
- Increasing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Shortness of breath during routine activities
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- Irregular or racing heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Trouble sleeping or waking short of breath
Symptoms don’t always mean something is wrong, but changes should never be ignored.
How ARC Network Supports Albertans Living With CHD
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we take a patient-centred approach to care. We understand that living with a heart condition can feel overwhelming, and we aim to make the process clear, supportive, and accessible.
Our services include:
- Cardiology consultations and diagnostics
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs)
- Respiratory assessments
- Sleep testing for fatigue, breathing concerns, and sleep apnea
With multiple locations across Alberta, we help patients get the information they need, without unnecessary delays.
When to Book a Check-In (Even If You Feel “Okay”)
Many adults with CHD delay care because symptoms feel manageable or inconsistent. But regular monitoring is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health.
Consider booking an assessment if:
- You haven’t had recent heart or lung testing
- Your activity tolerance has changed
- You feel more tired than usual
- You’re unsure whether symptoms are heart- or lung-related
- You’re transitioning from paediatric to adult care
Preventative care can provide reassurance, or catch changes early when they’re easier to manage.
Book an Assessment with ARC Network
Why Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Still Matters
Congenital heart disease doesn’t end in childhood, and awareness helps people advocate for the care they deserve.
This awareness week is a reminder to:
- Learn and understand your diagnosis
- Ask questions about long-term monitoring
- Encourage loved ones to stay on top of follow-up care
The more informed patients are, the better their outcomes tend to be.
You Don’t Have to Navigate CHD Alone
Living with congenital heart disease, or supporting someone who does, comes with questions, uncertainty, and sometimes worry. Having a trusted care team makes a difference.
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we’re proud to support Albertans with heart and lung conditions through compassionate, evidence-based care.
If you or a loved one is living with CHD and hasn’t had recent monitoring, now is a good time to check in.
Book a cardiology or respiratory consultation with ARC Network today.