Editorial commentary: Keeping the congenitally malformed heart in shape

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common congenital anomaly with a birth prevalence of around 1% [1]. Due to successes of improved diagnostic, operative and interventional techniques, life expectancy of CHD patients has increased significantly, and is continuing to do so. For example, in the year 2000 there were approximately 4 CHD patients per 1,000 individuals [2]; by 2010 this number had already increased by 50% [3], and it is estimated that this prevalence will grow to approximately 7.5 per 1,000 [4].
Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research