Andrea Lambert, M.D., decided to specialize in heart failure and heart transplant care after an especially challenging case during her cardiology training. The patient appeared to be out of options, but after a collaboration between different medical specialists, she underwent a new heart procedure that saved her life. “There’s something really exciting about being able…
The only accredited program in Kentucky and Indiana, Norton Children’s Heart Institute is recognized for collaborative work to treat adults and children living with lifelong congenital heart disease. In recognition of its expertise in serving individuals with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), a structural heart condition present at birth, Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with…
Christa Taylor was born with Ebstein anomaly, pulmonary atresia and pulmonary stenosis, all forms of congenital heart disease (CHD). She manages her adult congenital heart disease with care from Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine — the same team and hospital where she had her heart care for more than…
Undetected congenital heart defects (CHD) are rare, but some babies can grow into adolescence or early adulthood before noticing any symptoms. Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1 out of every 100 babies born in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About a quarter of those need surgery before their…
When Ashley Eastman, R.N., has an appointment to monitor her adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), she simply leaves her desk, walks to the front desk, checks in, and waits to be called. As a nurse clinician for Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, she understands the journey of a child…
In 1940, children born with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) had less than a 10% chance of living to age 18. Over the years advanced new treatments, including surgeries, were developed. Survival rates improved: Children born in 1960 with CHD had less than 20% survival rate. In 1980, the survival rate had improved to 80%….
We do not currently have a lot of information about COVID-19 infection in children and adults with congenital heart disease and outcomes. However, based on what is known, we think some patients may be at higher risk of complications. In addition to social distancing, personal hygiene and other measures recommended at KYCOVID19.ky.gov, there are some…
To look at Samantha Stallings today as an active, working adult, you would never know that she’s been fighting for her health all 27 of her years. Her journey with Norton Children’s began the day she was born six weeks premature and transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital. Now…
Walter L. Sobczyk, M.D., pediatric cardiologist with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the University of Louisville, has treated hundreds of children born with life-threatening heart abnormalities. Thanks to advances in surgery and treatment over the last decades, most of these children are now living into adulthood. “Some of these heart conditions are very serious,…
From working in a genetics lab to teaching yoga, Melissa Lee Perrotta, M.D., has found a way to blend all of her passions into one career. Her drive to understand and solve complex problems and her interest in integrative healing has led her to caring for patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). She has…