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adult congenital heart disease Dubai

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Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) refers to structural heart defects present since birth that persist or reappear later in life. While many congenital heart defects are corrected in childhood, others may remain undiagnosed or require continued care into adulthood.

These conditions can lead to fatigue, breathlessness, irregular heartbeats, and—if untreated—serious complications like heart failure or stroke.

For those seeking expert care in adult congenital heart disease in Dubai, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob offers advanced, individualized treatment strategies. As a highly respected consultant cardiologist, Dr. Shaloob is known for managing complex congenital heart disease symptoms in adults, helping patients live longer, healthier lives with tailored, evidence-based cardiac care.

Types of congenital heart disease in adults

Congenital heart disease in adults refers to heart defects present at birth that may persist into adulthood or be diagnosed later in life. These conditions can come in many forms—ranging from mild to complex.

The types of congenital heart diseases in adults are:

1. Septal defects

These are holes or openings in the walls (septa) separating the heart chambers:

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole between the two upper heart chambers (atria), which may lead to right heart enlargement over time.
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the lower chambers (ventricles), sometimes closing on its own or requiring repair.
  • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A small flap-like opening between the atria that fails to close naturally after birth. Often harmless, but can increase stroke risk in some patients.

1 Recognizing the symptoms:

While some arrhythmias may be silent, many manifest with noticeable symptoms, including:

  • Palpitations: A feeling of skipped heartbeats, a fluttering sensation, or a pounding in the chest.
  • Chest discomfort or aches.
  • Dizziness or light-headedness, sometimes leading to syncope (fainting spells).
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Weakness or persistent fatigue.
  • Sweating

2. Blood vessel defects

These involve abnormalities in the major vessels connected to the heart:

  • Aortic Coarctation: Narrowing of the aorta, which can cause high blood pressure and left heart strain.
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): A fetal blood vessel that remains open after birth, allowing abnormal blood flow.
  • Pulmonary Artery Stenosis: A condition where the pulmonary artery is narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
  • Sweating

3. Heart valve defects

These involve malformations in the heart valves, leading to improper blood flow:

  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease: The aortic valve has two flaps instead of three, leading to possible narrowing or leakage.
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP): The mitral valve flaps bulge back into the left atrium during contraction, which may cause leakage and palpitations.
  • Ebstein's Anomaly: A rare defect where the tricuspid valve is malformed and positioned abnormally, affecting right heart function.
adult congenital heart disease Dubai

Causes of congenital heart disease in adults

Researchers are still unsure about the exact causes of congenital heart disease. Some may get passed down through families (inherited). In some cases, it may be inherited and run in families. It also often occurs alongside certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.

You may also have a higher risk of adult congenital heart disease if your parent:

  • Had rubella (German measles) or influenza during the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Had Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
  • Took certain medications during pregnancy, such as those used to treat acne, bipolar disorder, or seizures.
  • Used ibuprofen at 30 weeks of pregnancy or later.

Symptoms of adult congenital heart disease Dubai

The adult congenital heart disease symptoms may be mild or absent in childhood, but they often appear or worsen in adulthood.

Here are common symptoms:

  • Breathlessness, particularly with exertion or lying down
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Persistent tiredness or fatigue
  • Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
  • Heart murmur
  • Bluish or greyish fingernails, lips, or skin
  • Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet, or hands
congenital heart disease, congenital heart disease symptoms, types of congenital heart disease

Diagnosing congenital heart disease in adults

Dr. Muhamed Shaloob starts by thoroughly reviewing your medical history and symptoms, followed by a comprehensive physical exam.

To confirm a diagnosis, he may order:

Management & treatment of adult congenital heart disease Dubai

Managing adult congenital heart disease involves long-term, individualized care. Dr. Shaloob develops customized plans that combine monitoring, medication, and advanced procedures when necessary.

1. Regular monitoring and follow-up

Regular follow-up helps track heart changes and prevent complications. This may include:

  • Regular imaging (e.g., echocardiograms) and functional tests
  • Symptom review and lifestyle counseling
  • Early detection of complications like arrhythmias or valve issues
2. Medications

Depending on the specific heart defect and associated symptoms, medications may be prescribed to:

  • Lower blood pressure or manage heart failure
  • Control irregular heart rhythms
  • Prevent blood clots, especially with stroke risk
  • Reduce fluid buildup or improve heart efficiency
3. Interventional or surgical procedures

Some heart defects may require corrective or palliative procedures:

  • Cardiac catheterization to repair certain defects without open surgery
  • Implantable heart services to improve some of the complications that can occur with adult congenital heart diseases
  • Valve repair or replacement for malfunctioning valves
  • Closure of septal defects (ASD, VSD, or PFO) using minimally invasive techniques
  • Surgical correction of complex anomalies like aortic coarctation or transposition of the great arteries
  • Heart transplantation may be needed in case a serious heart condition can't be treated
4. Specialized care for complex or repaired defects

Patients who had surgery as children may need lifelong care to manage late complications. Dr. Shaloob also assists with:

  • Late complications such as arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, or ventricular dysfunction
  • Transition care from pediatric to adult cardiology
  • Post-surgical follow-up for patients who underwent corrective heart procedures earlier in life
  • Psychological and emotional support, when needed

Dr. Muhamed Shaloob – Leading specialist in adult congenital heart disease Dubai

With over 12 years of experience and more than 9,000 successful cardiac procedures, Dr. Shaloob is renowned for his expertise in adult congenital heart disease. Recognized as best cardiologist in Dubai, his approach combines precise diagnostics, ongoing monitoring, targeted therapy, and compassionate support tailored to each patient.

Don’t wait to take control of your heart health.

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FAQ’S

Yes, many cases of adult congenital heart disease remain undiagnosed until adulthood, especially if symptoms are mild. Regular cardiac checkups can help detect underlying conditions early.

Common bicuspid aortic valve symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Some people may remain asymptomatic until the valve becomes narrowed or leaky.

Post-surgical follow-up is crucial for monitoring heart function, detecting complications early, adjusting medications, and ensuring a smooth recovery after congenital heart surgery.

While congenital heart disease is present from birth, some defects are only diagnosed in adulthood. These may be due to previously undetected symptoms or new complications arising from old repairs.

For expert care in adult congenital heart disease Dubai, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob is a trusted specialist. He provides advanced diagnostic testing, individualized treatment plans, and long-term monitoring for congenital heart conditions in adults.

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