Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program

One in 100 babies born in the United States each year has a congenital heart defect of some kind. As these babies become adults, they often need continued care even if they underwent surgical corrections in childhood. Sometimes, congenital heart disease symptoms (such as abnormal heart rhythms, shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling) may not appear and need care until later in life. Learn more about caring for congenital heart disease in adulthood from our ACHD webinar series.

One of the nation's leading programs for ACHD

People born with congenital heart defects are living longer and longer into adulthood. If you're part of this growing population, it's good to know the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program (ACHD Program) offered by the Herma Heart Institute at Children's Wisconsin is one of the leading programs in the nation, and the largest in the state of Wisconsin. Our program works in conjunction with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network to offer the specialized expertise you need to live life to the fullest. Our program is an ACHD Comprehensive Care Center accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, recognizing us as a leader in Adult Congenital Heart Disease care and management.

Uniquely qualified ACHD specialists

Our team of experts includes Peter Bartz, MD, Matthew Buelow, MD, Scott Cohen, MD, Jennifer Gerardin, MD, Salil Ginde, MD and Andrew Pistner, MD — the largest care team in the state formally trained to care for adults with congenital heart disease. Drs. Bartz, Buelow, Cohen, Gerardin, Ginde and Pistner also see patients at Froedtert Hospital. Their advanced training in both pediatric and adult cardiology makes them exceptionally qualified to provide complete care as patients transition from adolescence to adulthood. The team has been awarded highly competitive research grants and published nearly 50 Adult Congenital Heart Disease articles in the last decade.

Our accredited program demonstrates our ability to meet the highest standards of care. Our patient volumes continue to increase as our reputation for quality care expands nationally.

Care that covers the full range of needs for adults with congenital heart disease

Many congenital heart disease conditions and genetic heart disorders can have serious cardiac and non-cardiac complications for adults. These conditions include:

• Coarctation of the aorta
• Congenital valve defects
• Dilated aorta
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
• Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders
• Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• Pulmonary atresia
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Transposition of the great arteries (vessels)

These and other congenital heart defects can impact physical activity, pregnancy, and other aspects of life as an adult. Additionally, our Marfan Syndrome Program is the largest in the state and recognized nationally for its expert care for adults with this rare genetic heart disorder.

Through our partnership with Froedtert & The Medical College, we offer all the inpatient and outpatient services for treatment of adult congenital heart defects. This includes:

• Diagnosis
• Medication management
• Care for related pulmonary hypertension
• Cardiac catheterization procedures
• Electrophysiology
• Surgery

Expert ACHD treatment, close to home

In addition to Milwaukee, our adult congenital heart disease specialists have clinics in other locations throughout the state of Wisconsin and in upper Michigan. Patients can schedule initial assessments and follow-up care at these convenient locations. Evening appointments are available in some locations.

Helping adults with congenital heart disease live healthier lives with Healthy Lifestyles Program

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is home to Healthy Lifestyles, a free 12-week program that promotes weight loss through diet and exercise modification. Program participants will receive a pedometer to track steps and access to a mobile app to track diet and exercise, and will speak with an ACHD team member weekly to discuss progress. Participants will also receive weekly tips as resources during the program. Contact us more information or to apply for the program.

Frequently asked questions about adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)

To learn more about adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), we encourage you to read the following frequently asked questions (FAQs).