https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220714091059.htm

Congenital heart defects (CHD) occur when people are born with structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels involving the heart. Surgery and catheter interventions are often required to address these issues. Most people with CHD survive through adulthood, with adults now outnumbering children among more than 2.4 million living with CHD in the United States. A surgical intervention, however, does not cure CHD. People may need multiple operations, and specialty heart care is required throughout their lives, especially if they were born with complex heart problems.

"Decades of research describes the psychological and social stressors and challenges that can present across the lifespan for people with CHD," said Adrienne H. Kovacs, Ph.D., chair of the writing committee for the scientific statement and a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with people who have CHD. "It's long overdue that we move beyond awareness to action and providing more resources and expert mental health care for people living with CHD."