Adult congenital heart disease. An emerging population.

Although there are few cures for congenital heart disease (CHD), more patients are now surviving to adulthood. Possible causes of CHD include teratogenic, genetic, and random factors, or an interaction of various factors. The risk of CHD recurrence is dependent on its presumed mode of inheritance. Because there may be a greater risk of transmission as survival rates increase, at-risk parents and families need to recognize the potential benefits of prevention. For the adult survivors, life remains a constant challenge of coping with persistent health problems, uncertain long-term functional status, and the influence of societal values.