Trisomy 21 and Congenital Heart Disease
Published: September 12, 2024
![young girl with Down Syndrome sitting patiently while having her heart checked by doctor](/-/media/PHD-Images/Science-News/y/young-girl-having-heart-checked.jpg?h=343&iar=0&mh=515&mw=515&w=515&sc_lang=en)
- Congenital HD lesions, common in Trisomy 21 (T21), may be difficult to appreciate on fetal imaging. Therefore, a postnatal echocardiogram is important to rule out abnormalities.
- Despite a higher likelihood of obesity, adults with T21 have lower risks for common CV risk factors and adult-acquired cardiovascular (CV) diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and coronary artery disease.
- The establishment of a medical home for individuals with congenital HD and T21 will promote continuity of care, family-centered care, health promotion, and advocacy.
Supporting Materials
- Commentary: Maximizing health and functional outcomes for children and adolescents with congenital heart disease and Trisomy 21: What are we still missing? by Kristin M. Elgersma, PhD, DM, RN; Katie M. Pfister, MD
- Top Things to Know: Trisomy 21 and Congenital Heart Disease: Impact on Health and Functional Outcomes from Birth Through Adolescence
Recommended Reading
- Genetic Basis for Congenital Heart Disease: Revisited
- Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Individuals With Congenital Heart Disease
- Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Mitigating Health Disparities Across the Lifespan in Congenital Heart Disease
- Pulmonary Hypertension in Congenital Heart Disease
- Psychological Outcomes and Interventions for Individuals With Congenital Heart Disease
- Palliative Care Across the Life Span for Children With Heart Disease
- Developmental Care for Hospitalized Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease
- Advances in Managing Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease
- 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease