Congenital heart condition

If you have a congenital heart condition, you will be invited to a transition clinic between 13 and 18 years of age. These appointments are within the children’s outpatient department.

You will meet the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) nurse at this appointment. Everyone can then get to know each other before the move to adult services, which will be between 16 and 18 years of age.

The ACHD nurse will helps you to keep your heart healthy. The nurse will encourage you to become more independent in managing your condition.

You will also talk about:

  • your heart condition
  • medication
  • diet
  • mental health
  • travel
  • employment
  • exercise or sleep
  • pregnancy or contraception
  • moving away from home, for instance going to university.

For congenital heart conditions it is likely you will need follow up support for life. Staff in the adult team will talk to you about how often your appointments will be and will try to fit them around your life. Staff from other specialist cardiac centres maybe involved in your care.

Heart conditions that were not present at birth and are well controlled

For heart conditions that were not present at birth and are well controlled, you’ll be supported by your GP only. There maybe some routine checks for instance if you have a pacemaker.

Contraceptive (birth control) or planning to start a family

If you are using or planning to use contraceptive (birth control) or planning to start a family, please talk to your consultant or specialist nurse about the safest options for you.

Patients moving to a neighbouring hospital for their adult care may find the transition process is different. Please discuss this with those currently providing your care.