Services
The PACH Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital provides a range of outpatient and inpatient services for adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). These services may include management of arrhythmia, heart failure, or pregnancy or treatments such as electrophysiology, heart catherization, interventional procedures, heart surgery or transplant.
Assessment
Patients coming to the clinic will undergo a history and physical exam. As well, you may undergo several tests as part of your checkup. The most common tests are listed below. To be directed to specific sections on this website, click on the provided links.
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
- Stress test
- Holter monitor
Treatment
Treatment is based on the severity of the CHD. Some mild heart defects do not require any treatment. Others can be treated with medicines, procedures or surgery. Most adults with CHD should be cared for by a CHD doctor and take measures to prevent endocarditis (an infection of the heart) all their life. For more information, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation website.
Education
Living with a heart problem can be a challenge. It is vital that you know your condition and how it may impact your lifestyle choices. The doctors and nurses in the PACH clinic will spend time teaching you about your condition, how it impacts your lifestyle choices, and will answer your questions about heart tests, and treatments.