A Brief Medical History

The first chapter sets the scene by providing a brief, easy-to-read overview of the medical history of congenital cardiology. This provides a broader context for readers to further understand this novel “collective story” while recognizing the huge variation in congenital heart conditions, treatments, complications, and resulting lived experiences. In addition to acknowledging the “medical successes” and significant advances that have gifted life to many, the chapter also introduces the challenges that people living with a congenital heart condition can face from infancy. Such adversities can include a focus on survival with limited understanding and support for the psychological impact, the challenges of navigating transition from childhood to adult healthcare, the challenges accessing adult healthcare provision, and dependence on lifelong pioneering medical treatment. The growing need to address the psychological and social impact of congenital heart conditions is noted, including an interview with Paula Miller, the Adult Congenital Heart Association’s senior education manager.