Words, explained

Heart terms in plain English

Plain English explanations for words you may hear. Ask your team how a term applies to your child.

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4 terms

Congenital

Present from birth. It may only be found later.

Short for congenital heart disease. This means a heart condition that was present from birth.

Short for adult congenital heart disease: a heart condition present from birth in an adult. It can also mean the specialist adult service.

Short for grown-up congenital heart disease. This older name is sometimes used for adult care of heart conditions present from birth.