Can congenital heart disease be treated at the age of 40?

Congenital heart disease diagnosed at the age of 40 can usually be treated with medication, surgery, etc. The specific plan should be determined according to the type of disease, the severity of the disease, and the individual's physical condition. It is recommended to seek evaluation and guidance from a professional cardiologist as soon as possible to avoid complications caused by the disease.

1. Common causes and characteristics of congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease usually forms during embryonic development and is related to genetic factors, maternal health, and environmental stimulation. Some patients are not discovered until adult physical examinations because the lesions are mild or asymptomatic. For example, more common types such as atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect may only manifest as mild fatigue, shortness of breath, or even no symptoms. Therefore, diagnosis in adulthood often means that the disease has not been intervened in the early stages, and we should be particularly vigilant about further development of the disease.

2. Overview of treatment methods

Treatments for congenital heart disease include medication and surgical repair. For patients with mild disease or who are not suitable for surgery, medication can be used to manage symptoms, including:

-Diuretics, such as furosemide, are used to reduce the workload on the heart.

-Vasodilators, such as perindopril, are used to improve blood flow to the heart.

- Platelet aggregation inhibitors, such as aspirin, to prevent blood clots.

For structural abnormalities that require repair, surgery may be a better option:

-Percutaneous cardiac intervention: suitable for more common problems such as atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus.

- Open chest surgery: suitable for complex deformities, such as tetralogy of Fallot.

-Minimally invasive occlusion: a new option developed with modern technology, with less trauma.

The key to treatment is to make an individualized plan based on the patient's specific pathological type and overall health status, and regular follow-up of changes in cardiac function is required after surgery.

3. Auxiliary adjustment of lifestyle

In addition to medical treatment, healthy lifestyle habits can significantly improve patient outcomes:

-Control your weight: Avoid obesity which increases the burden on your heart.

- Balanced diet: Eat a vitamin-rich, low-salt, and low-fat diet to promote cardiovascular health.

- Appropriate exercise: such as walking or low-intensity yoga, can help strengthen heart function, but avoid strenuous exercise.

Early detection and early treatment are the key to improving the cure rate. Even if it is found by chance, there is no need to worry. It is very important to adjust your mentality and actively cooperate with the doctor to develop a treatment plan. If it is delayed for a long time, it may develop into irreversible heart failure or other complications.

For patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease at the age of 40, most of them can be treated or improved, and the specific plan needs to be combined with individual factors. They should communicate with professional doctors in time to avoid the progression of the disease, adjust their lifestyle and actively cooperate with treatment to improve their quality of life.