During teenage years, it’s important to discuss adult-related topics with your child and their cardiologist. Some typical adult experiences like pregnancy, as well as some less common experiences like drug exposure, may have potentially dangerous effects.
Most adults with CHD can have safe and successful pregnancies. However, this is not the case for all CHD types and needs to be carefully considered prior to any family planning. Some women may require birth control to prevent the risks associated with pregnancy. In addition, family planning should be discussed with a cardiologist to determine the risk of children inheriting CHD.
Other exposures, such as alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, and tattoos, are uniquely harmful to those with CHD. Drugs may negatively impact the heart directly, and tattoos are a potential source of a heart infection (Endocarditis).