Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension patients are at risk of heart failure, and conversely, heart failure patients are at risk of developing pulmonary hypertension. This Heart Month, we’re posting tips for keeping your heart strong and healthy.

Congenital heart disease is a defect present at birth that affects the structure of the heart. In some cases, blood leaks from the left side of the heart to the right side, which increases blood flow in the pulmonary arteries and lungs. This can result in pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension). Babies can be affected, but pulmonary hypertension can develop in affected adults as well.

February 7-14 each year is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. We’re happy to join the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance in raising awareness of this condition!