Position statement for the development of adult congenital heart disease units in Latin America and the Caribbean: Recommendations by the adult congenital heart disease chapter and pediatric cardiology council of the interamerican society of cardiology …

Abstract

In 2020, there was an estimated prevalence of more than 1.8 million adults with congenital heart disease (ACHDs) living in South America, and 677,000 in Central America and the Caribbean. The ACHD mortality is higher in developing countries, compared with developed countries, and it has been shown that concentrating this population in specialized ACHD units improves their survival and prognosis. Currently, Latin American (LATAM) and Caribbean countries have an insufficient number of specialists and specialized ACHD units. Analyzing this situation, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology's (IASC) ACHD chapter and Pediatric Cardiology Council have prepared the first recommendations for developing ACHD units in LATAM and Caribbean countries. This article is the first collaborative work between South American, Central American and Caribbean countries. It describes the main points for organizing and developing ACHD units adapted to our own reality. Each point has been discussed in terms of barriers and challenges, followed by specific recommendations for improving and developing ACHD care. They have been reviewed and endorsed by the International Society for Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ISACHD), and the goal of their implementation is for each ACHD unit in the region to have the standards of quality and efficiency to improve the prognosis and survival of ACHDs in the region.