The Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) and Cardiac Diseases of Pregnancy Clinics provide both an outpatient clinic and inpatient consultation service of adult patients with congenital heart disease and cardiology care for pregnant women with heart disease.
We provide care for patients with all types of congenital heart defects ranging from the simple to the complex. Often our patients have undergone intracardiac surgeries or other interventions. Our team has dealt with various long-term complications such as rhythm disorders, heart failure, narrowed or leaky valves, high blood pressure in the lungs, psychological and social challenges, and advance care issues. Our cardiologists and obstetricians also offer care to women with ACHD before, during and after pregnancy.
Specialized doctors and a dedicated nurse follow patients in clinic and during their hospital stay to provide continuity of care. The specialized team are able to diagnose complications and treat them with open heart surgery, or other interventional procedures as required.
Our clinics provide comprehensive access to cardiology testing such as echocardiograms, stress testing and Holter monitoring, interventions, surgery, psychological care, genetics, reproductive counseling and care, advance care planning and all other aspects of complete and comprehensive life-long care of an ACHD patient.
Patients in this clinic are also able to participate in a number of different research studies.
You will receive a letter, and/or a phone call informing you about the time of your first appointment at the Adult Congenital Cardiac Clinic. Usually this appointment will include a series of tests, planned in advance, as well as a meeting with an ACHD cardiologist.
You will need an electrocardiogram (ECG) done at each visit. At each visit, please first check in with the Cardio-Respiratory Medical Unit at 3V2.
What should I bring?
- Health Card. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requires us to validate your health card at every clinic visit.
- List of all medications you are currently taking.
- Questions to ask. Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.
How long will my appointment take?
The visit with your doctor will last up to 30 minutes. Testing done prior may take up to two hours. This will be indicated on the letter you will receive with the details of your visit.
What happens after my visit?
- At the end of your first appointment, the nurse or doctor will give you contact information of the cardiology care team.
- You will be able to book your follow-up appointment and tests if necessary as you leave your clinic visit.
We provide cardiology care of patients with any type of congenital heart defects, diseases of the aorta and of women with heart disease that are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy.
Please note that a doctor’s referral is needed in order to be seen in the Clinic.