Anurag Rawat and Seema Rawat*
Background
Congenital heart diseases are mostly diagnosed in newborn period or within first year of life. The lack of awareness and good cardiac facilities leads to late diagnosis of majority of heart diseases. The improvement in diagnosis and early therapeutic interventions can decrease the burden of adult congenital cardiac disease. Uttarakhand being a hilly state does not have good infrastructural and advance imaging facilities compared to many other states of India.
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and pattern of congenital cardiac disease amongst adults in a tertiary care center in the state of Uttarakhand.
Materials and Methods
All adult patients of age more than 18 years who presented to the cardiology department over a period of 5 years from July 2016 to June 2021 were thoroughly evaluated. The suspected patients of congenital heart disease were evaluated further using Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography and chest X - ray.
Results
Out of 108000 patients who visited the cardiology department of hospital over a period of 5 years from January 2016 to January 2021, 315 were diagnosed to have congenital cardiac disease. 55.57 % cases were of males while 44.13 % were females. 80 % cases were of cyanotic heart disease while 20 % cases were of cyanotic heart disease. The most common heart disease was Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) which was observed in 38.4 % cases followed by Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) observed in 25.07 % cases. Many of them were asymptomatic and were referred for routine evaluation of murmur or anxiety. The commonest symptoms were found to be palpitation and dyspnea.
Conclusion
The date regarding prevalence of adult congenital heart disease in state of Uttarakhand is sparsely available; therefore, the present study would be useful in formulating policy for early diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease.It will also help in assessing the risk factors for treatment of complications of adult congenital heart disease.
