Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Causes

Much is still unknown about the causes of congenital heart disease (CHD), and in most cases, a cause is never identified. Some heart defects have a genetic link, while others may be influenced by environmental factors—or some combination of genetic and environmental factors. The following nongenetic risk factors have been found to contribute to varying degrees to congenital heart disease:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy
  • Maternal obesity
  • Exposure to certain air pollutants, solvents, and pesticides
  • Low levels of maternal folic acid ingestion during pregnancy
  • Poorly controlled pre-pregnancy and gestational maternal diabetes

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

1100 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036