Journal of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Background: The purpose of this study was to look at the current state of the adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, to encourage social independence and healthy lifestyles.

Methods: On 186 patients, a questionnaire survey (understanding and anxiety about their heart diseases, treatments, social independence, and lifestyles) was administered. These data were also compared between patients with and without physical disability certification (a certified group and a noncertified group). Clinical data were extracted from the medical records.

Results: After excluding the cases without meeting the inclusion criteria, 112 patients (41 males, mean age 28 years) were studied. Eighty-three percent of 93 patients after excluding 19 students, were employed (66％ full-time employee) , half of them lived with their parents, and 71％ were concerned about their heart diseases. In terms of lifestyle, 28％ were dissatisfied with the quality of their sleep. The noncertified group (n=59) was assigned more professional tasks, whereas the certified group (n=53) was assigned more office duties. The certified group had more regular outpatient clinic visits and dental consultations, but also had a greater experience to drink alcohol and take a sleeping pill.

Conclusion: The study patients had a relatively good job rate and a high level of social independence, despite having a variety of anxiety disorders. It was suggested that some supports for anxiety and sleep disorder issues be implemented especially in the certified group.