The number of infants born with congenital heart disease surviving into adulthood has increased dramatically in the past few decades. Many remain relatively symptom-free until adulthood, when a change in their health status may affect patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal study was designed to assess change in HRQoL over three years and identify demographic and medical predictors of that change.

Patients who were 15 to 39 years of age were recruited from a pediatric and adult hospital. Baseline and three-year follow-up data were obtained via electronic health records and an online survey of 172 survivors of congenital heart disease.

For the three years, self-reported HRQoL decreased significantly on all subscales. Estimated family income was the only significant predictor of change, a lower income being associated with greater decreases in physical and emotional functioning.

These findings suggest that survivors of congenital heart disease who have lower incomes may need additional support from health care providers to promote health maintenance, according to the authors.