Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program

Whether you were born with congenital heart disease (CHD) and had surgery as a child, or you only recently learned about your CHD, your heart needs specialized care that is different than what you might get from a general adult cardiologist or a pediatric cardiologist.

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at the Herma Heart Institute is here to support you in every stage of your heart journey – we care for patients of all ages from young adults just beginning their transition from pediatric care to seniors managing lifelong CHD. Whether you’re 18 or 80, our experts will support and care for your changing needs.

Care closer 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.

Ancillary services 

• Healthy Lifestyles Program - 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.
• Marfan Syndrome and Connective Tissue Disorders Program - The largest in the state and recognized nationally for its expert care for adults with these rare genetic heart disorders.
• Webinar series – Free, educational webinars for all adults living with a congenital heart defect and their loved ones, have been archived and can be viewed here. Latest topics and registration details can be found here.
• Mental health – All ACHD patients undergo a mental health screening at each appointment. If the screening is positive, patients are referred to one of our psychologists. They have extensive experience working with patients affected by chronic illness, specifically those with congenital heart disease. 

Compassionate staff 

Our staff are there for you at every twist and turn in your heart journey, ready to provide support, answer questions and help you feel confident in your health decisions: like what exercise program is right for you, what kind of anesthesia is needed for a non-cardiac procedure, what pregnancy looks like for you, etc.

Here is what a few of our patients have to say about our staff: 

“I have never had a concern, question, or need go unheard by all of the doctors I have seen. I will inevitably face challenges and new obstacles as I age, but I feel very fortunate to have access to the level of care that the Herma Heart Institute has to offer and hopefully will for a long, long time. I am a thriving adult because of the care I have gotten at HHI for the last 25 years." – Marta 

“At my first visit with the ACHD team I immediately knew that's where I belong for medical care. The team does an excellent job of answering all of my questions, and we have a clear plan for monitoring my condition. It gives me great peace of mind to have the Herma Heart Institute team on my side!" – Andy