Asian Heart Institute starts GUCH clinic 

The clinic will cater to the children above 16 years of age with congenital heart disease

Asian Heart Institute has inaugurated Grown Up with Congenital Heart Disease (GUCH) outpatient services on the occasion of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on February 14.

This GUCH clinic will cater to the children above 16 years of age with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have undergone surgical intervention in the past and those who have not.

“The number of grown-ups with congenital heart diseases is steadily increasing. Some of these children who have reached adult life need constant follow-ups and special care in a conducive environment to tide over the health issues that arise due to CHD. With this special outpatient service, we intend to cater to this patient population coming to us from across India,” said Dr Ramakanta Panda, Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeon and Vice Chairman, Asian Heart Institute.

Dr Sarang Gaikwad, Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Asian Heart Institute shared that health management of this group of patients varies significantly from the other adult heart patients as their set of clinical needs are different.

While giving an example, Dr Gaikwad said that in some cases, patients develop persistently high pulmonary artery pressures despite corrective surgery. Such a patient needs pulmonologist’s advice. Some patients develop heart rhythm issues post-cardiac surgery and need electrophysiologists opinion and treatment. Sometimes, they experience adolescent problems related to growth and development and need to consult a paediatrician.

“We have the entire team of experts and facilities to evaluate and treat them effectively, added Dr Panda.

“Parents of children with congenital heart disease need to be aware that their children will need regular follow up and possible treatment to help them live a productive life in future,” said Dr Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Asian Heart Institute.