It is very important for parents of a child with a congenital heart defect and adults with congenital heart disease to speak with a cardiologist regularly. Regular visits to a cardiologist are very important. These visits allow parents of children with heart defects to make the best possible choices for their child's health. These visits also allow adults with a heart defect to make the best possible choices for their health.

Children and adults with congenital heart disease can help with their health care by knowing their medical history, including:

• The type(s) of heart defects they have

• Procedures or surgeries they have performed.

• Medications and dosages of these currently and previously prescribed medications

• The type(s) of medical care they are receiving now.

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As children transition to adult health care, it is important to notify any new health care provider(s) about a child's congenital heart disease. Continued appropriate medical care for their heart defect will help children and adults with congenital heart disease live as healthy a life as possible.

It is essential that individuals born with congenital heart disease who have reached adulthood transition to the appropriate type of heart care. The type of care needed depends on the type of congenital heart disease the person has. People with mild types of congenital heart disease can generally be cared for by an adult cardiologist in the community. People with more complex types of congenital heart disease will need care at a center that specializes in adult congenital heart disease.