Comorbidity and Multimorbidity in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: Findings From a Multi-Site Population-Based Study

Background

Survival of individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved, leading to a growing and aging population of adults living with these conditions. Over their lifetime, they often face an array of comorbidities that affect outcomes and complicate medical management. However, population-based information on such comorbidities is scarce, reducing opportunities for prevention.

Methods

This population-based, cross-sectional study assessed comorbid conditions in adults with CHD residing in five geographic areas in the United States (in Colorado, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, and Utah). The study included 18,672 adults aged 19 to 64 years who had a healthcare encounter between 2011 and 2013 associated with ≥ 1 CHD-related diagnosis code. Data were derived from linked clinical and administrative sources, reflecting inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department encounters.

Results

Most adults with CHD experienced at least one (88.5%) and usually multiple (76%) comorbidities. Overall, noncardiac comorbidities exceeded cardiac comorbidities. The most frequent noncardiac comorbidities were endocrine/metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism), hypertension, and neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression). The presence and number of comorbidities varied in different sociodemographic groups. Men and older individuals experienced higher rates of many comorbidities, cardiac and noncardiac, regardless of CHD type.

Conclusions

Preventable and treatable comorbidity and multimorbidity are common in adults with CHD, with patterns shaped by sociodemographic factors and CHD type. Reducing preventable mortality in this growing population will require sustained tracking of health metrics and coordinated, data-driven, and lifelong care.