Center for Congenital Heart Disease

Advanced Pediatric Cardiac Care

5.0   |  113 Ratings

We take a personalized approach to treating congenital heart disease (CHD) for patients of all ages – from infancy to adolescence to adulthood. We work with you to create an individualized plan that includes everything from diagnosis and treatment to the post-care or long-term support you or your loved one needs to maintain a normal lifestyle.

A doctor visits with a young patient and her mother.

Our Approach

As the region’s only congenital heart program, we bring together specialists in cardiology, cardiac surgery and cardiac anesthesiology. When heart care is needed during pregnancy, we work closely with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to care for pregnant patients with heart disease and those who have recently learned their baby may have a heart defect.

Congenital heart defects develop before birth in one or more structures of the heart. Some people do not have symptoms until adulthood. Others are treated as children and need regular checkups with a cardiologist as adults.

We are part of the Providence Heart Institute in Spokane, which features world-class cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiovascular and vascular surgeons, and specialty trained nurses, therapists and advanced care teams throughout the Inland Northwest.

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Congenital heart disease, often referred to as CHD, is a condition present at birth that affects the structure and function of the heart. It may involve problems with the heart walls, valves or blood vessels.

CHD is often diagnosed through prenatal ultrasounds or shortly after birth. Diagnostic tests may include echocardiograms, electrocardiograms or other imaging studies.

Treatment varies based on the severity of the condition. At the Providence Center for Congenital Heart Disease, it may include medications, surgical procedures, catheter-based interventions and lifestyle changes. A comprehensive treatment plan is usually tailored to each patient's needs.

Caregivers play a crucial role in providing emotional support. They can also help with medication management and day-to-day activities. Open communication with your health care team is key to ensuring the best possible care.

Absolutely. Many individuals with CHD lead fulfilling and active lives with appropriate medical management. It's important for patients to work closely with their care team so they can be as healthy as possible.

Our clinicians are connected to national associations and colleges across the United States. They regularly speak at national conferences and participate in research. Working closely with a care team can help patients and caregivers stay up to date on advances in CHD care and empower them with valuable knowledge.

Yes. By collaborating, our specialists can share their expertise and provide the best possible care for their patients.

Our clinicians work with many other specialists to ensure the best possible care for patients. They include doctors who specialize in advanced heart failure and heart transplants. Our specialists also work closely with maternal fetal medicine experts who provide care for pregnant patients with CHD.

The Providence Center for Congenital Heart Disease provides 24/7 care for patients. This includes support for patients who receive ongoing care and for those who have cardiac and non-cardiac procedures and surgeries. We also offer telehealth services.

Yes. Providence has several outreach locations throughout the Inland Northwest so patients can receive care closer to home.

Regular appointments with a cardiologist are essential to monitor a heart condition and make any needed adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan. Caregivers should be involved in coordinating and attending these appointments.

PATCH stands for Providence Adult & Teen Congenital Heart program. It provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for teens and adults living with congenital heart disease.

PATCH is uniquely positioned to care for adults and teens with congenital heart disease. It is conveniently located in a pediatric cardiology clinic within a larger medical center that offers comprehensive care for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD).

PATCH ensures a seamless transition by operating within a larger medical center. This allows the program to draw on the expertise of clinicians specializing in both congenital and acquired heart disease.

PATCH provides access to consultations for all subspecialties of cardiac medicine and surgery. The program also offers a full range of ACHD interventional, electrophysiologic and surgical care.

Living with a chronic disease can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. We work with psychiatrists and psychologists to ensure mental health services are available for all patients. This includes in-office and virtual counseling.