The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among seniors with congenital heart disease: A single tertiary center experience

Background: The number of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) surviving to old age is increasing worldwide. Acquired cardiovascular comorbidities may complicate the course and treatment of the underlying congenital disease and worsen the prognosis. Aims: The study aimed to assess the burden of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors among elderly patients with ACHD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data on all patients >= 60 years of age hospitalized in a tertiary clinic for ACHD was performed from July 2013 to March 2020. We collected information on smoking status, body mass index, and the presence of dyslipidemia, systemic hypertension, and diabetes. Results: The most common CV risk factors among 322 patients >= 60 years of age (median age 66 years; 34% men) were: being overweight/obesity (65.5%), dyslipidemia (64.9%), and arterial hypertension (60.6%). Over 21% of patients suffered from diabetes, and 25.8% were smokers. Over 54% of patients had two or 3 CV risk factors. Patients above 70 years of age were healthier in terms of being overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking status. Patients with mild ACHD were more likely hypertensive compared to individuals with complex defects. The highest CV burden was noted in younger men with mild ACHD. Conclusions: We demonstrated a high burden of CV risk factors in seniors with ACHD. Special attention should be paid to the identification and control of classical CV risk factors in order to prevent acquired CV disease in this population.

Automated summary

The study revealed that among ACHD patients aged 60 and above, being overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension are the most common cardiovascular risk factors, with over half of the patients having two or more risk factors. Patients above 70 years of age are relatively healthier, and those with mild ACHD are more likely to have hypertension.