The growing adult population with congenital heart disease (CHD) are getting older and their clinical presentation and outcomes are likely to be determined not only by their underlying CHD, but also by the development of acquired cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. This begins in childhood. The adult CHD population have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, as found in the general population, including obesity, smoking, and sedentary behaviour. Adults with complex congenital heart circulation are likely to be particularly vulnerable to the development of acquired arterial disease. Maintenance of ‘ideal cardiovascular health’ from childhood, is a key target, as leveraged gains can be achieved by early intervention to reduce risk factor exposure.
