Cardio-Pulmonary Interaction in ACHD Patients

Cardio-pulmonary interaction in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) refers to how the heart and lungs influence each other's function, especially during physical activity or stress. In ACHD patients, abnormalities in heart structure or function can affect blood flow and lung efficiency, leading to less effective oxygen exchange. When the heart struggles to pump blood properly, the lungs may receive less oxygen or work harder to compensate. Conversely, lung issues can increase the heart's workload. Understanding this interaction helps healthcare providers manage symptoms and improve quality of life in ACHD patients by addressing both cardiac and pulmonary health collectively.