Adult Congenital Heart Service

Adults who were born with heart defects have different medical concerns than adults who acquire heart disease as they age. They may have holes in their heart, narrow or absent blood vessels, malformed heart valves, or a reversal or absence of important heart structures.

Akron Children's team of experts specializes in the complex anatomy and heart function of adults with CHD. 

Our focus on education and counseling will also help empower patients to monitor their own health as they deal with the non-cardiac issues that often accompany congenital heart disease, such as participation in sports and exercise, reproductive issues, and psychosocial issues.

In addition, women with congenital heart disease have unique needs in terms of contraception, pregnancy and monitoring. They’re also at higher risk of having children born with heart disease.

Our team of adult congenital cardiologists, fetal cardiologists, high-risk obstetricians and other specialists provide the surveillance, prenatal care and treatment needed to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible. We have experience in congenital heart imaging, electrophysiology, minimally invasive catheterization and cardiovascular surgery.

We also provide pre-pregnancy counseling, as well as contraception and genetic counseling.