Update on psychological functioning in adults with congenital heart disease: a systematic review

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2013 Jun;11(6):785-91. doi: 10.1586/erc.13.9.

Abstract

The population of adults with congenital heart disease is increasing due to advancements in cardiology and cardiac surgery. Many patients face medical complications and psychosocial difficulties; however, it is not yet clear whether there is a direct relationship between medical status and the psychological functioning of these patients. This systematic review of the relevant literature is an attempt to: provide a comparison between the population of adults with congenital heart disease, the healthy reference population and similar cardiac populations when it comes to psychological functioning; explore the relationship between medical status/cardiac condition and psychological functioning; and identify the predictors of psychological distress in this population.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Health Status
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / psychology*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / therapy
  • Humans
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology