Predictors and Outcomes of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease/Defects

CHAoC Project Commitment - $30,000

 

Primary Investigator: Nicolas Madsen, MD, MPH
Co-Investigator: Patrick D. Evers, MD
Funding Timeline: 2017-2019

 
As a result of advances in care for children with a congenital heart disease/defect (CHD) over the last few decades, the population of adults with a CHD has grown substantially. For these adults, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), namely stroke and acute myocardial infarction, are increasingly common causes of morbidity and mortality. For survivors of MACE, the financial, functional, and social impact are significant; with the acquisition of new chronic medical needs in the wake of a stroke or MI, in addition to the chronic CHD condition, the capability to resume employment, to live independently, and to care for dependents may all be in jeopardy. Despite the life-altering significance of these events, there remains scarce research on MACE in adults with a CHD. Our research aims to identify which CHD individuals are at greatest risk for MACE, whether that be characteristics of their underlying CHD or identifiable acquired risk factors in their adult life as has been described for the general population. Secondarily, we aim to examine the indirect costs of MACE, both monetary and social.

This grant is intended to provide a Heart Institute categorical cardiology fellow the opportunity to develop epidemiology and population-based data expertise as a formal aspect of their research training in order to endow this individual with the lifelong tools necessary to continue research into the long-term outcomes of CHDs.