For Bannock's cardiologist, Dr. Rafael Alonso, who is also Fellowship Director and Lead in Transition for the ACHD Program at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, the fact that Bannock, at 24, could have surgery is a major success story. In 1959, 80 per cent of babies born with congenital heart disease died before turning 18. Thanks to corrective surgeries, 98 per cent of people born with a heart defect now survive well into adulthood.
40+
The number of different types of congenital heart defects. Source: Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance
A lifelong journey
In fact, thanks to advances made at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, these surviving adults now outnumber the children born with congenital heart disease. However, as the number of people with congenital heart disease has grown, so too has the need to help these individuals live life to its fullest. The ACHD Program, which is one of the first and largest in the world, does exactly that. For example, psychologists, nurses and nurse practitioners provide support for dealing with body image issues due to surgical scars. The team also guides young adults with congenital heart disease through important life decisions, including providing information on whether an individual's condition may preclude certain careers.
257,000
Canadians living with congenital heart disease. Source: Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance
The ACHD Program's highly specialized cardiology team also has a wealth of expertise in providing follow-up care to prevent and treat health problems that can come with the condition. For instance, people with congenital heart disease run a higher risk of developing heart rhythm disorders, leaky valves and heart failure.
This is why people living with congenital heart disease need ongoing care from a highly specialized cardiology team. At the ACHD pregnancy clinic, for example, physicians ensure a woman's heart condition remains stable throughout pregnancy and birth. "We have a multidisciplinary team that works with these patients, from obstetrics and cardiology to pulmonary hypertension," says Dr. Alonso.
World-leading program
The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre has made a significant effort to become a world-leading ACHD Program, because as soon as someone becomes a patient, they're under the team's care for life. "About 200 patients per year come to us, and few can be discharged," notes Dr. Alonso.
It's crucial that the transition from pediatric to adult care is a smooth one. If teens with congenital heart disease fall through the cracks, their disease can worsen with potentially deadly consequences. A new collaborative initiative between the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and SickKids – the Transition and Transfer Program – is designed to keep this from happening.
This transition marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership between the patient and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. With patients living longer, many end up dealing with challenges clinicians never considered before. That presents an opportunity to hone expertise and train new generations of congenital heart disease subspecialists in fields ranging from cardiology and cardiac surgery to imaging and electrical heart rhythm abnormalities. All this leads to better care while also allowing the ACHD Program to share knowledge in the field. The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre can train at least nine congenital heart disease fellows per year, funded through philanthropy.
In the summer of 2019, Bannock headed to the operating room, where surgeons inserted a new valve in his heart. It will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years, but Bannock is skiing and golfing again and anticipates a return to college. "I'm grateful to my family, who were there every day," he says. "I'm also thankful for the doctors and nurses, and my recovery team for helping me get back to being myself after surgery."
Still, there's no way of knowing what kinds of challenges Bannock and others with congenital heart disease will encounter during their journey. There are issues physicians haven't even seen yet, many of which will arise as more patients live longer. No matter what happens, the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre is helping its patients every step of the way.
Congenital heart disease through the ages
Congenital heart disease never disappears. While everyone’s situation varies, and there are several different types of the disease, it is a journey that starts as soon as a person is born. Here’s a general example of what someone with congenital heart disease may have to deal with during their lifetime.
0 - 18
In many cases, soon after birth, physicians will try to repair the defect in the heart. Others may have to wait a few years before surgery, but most children need an operation – often multiple – before they turn 18.
18 - 50
At 18, patients usually transfer to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, where they receive care for the rest of their lives. Many will require more surgeries, and some may be evaluated for a heart transplant. Physician visits are a must, and pregnant women are closely monitored.
50+
Medical innovations are helping patients live longer than ever before. While that’s good news, there may be a whole host of heart issues, including heart failure and coronary artery disease, that need to be addressed. Additional surgeries and interventions may be required.
